bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Extracellular and intracellular melanin in inflammatory middle ear disease
Authors: Fritz Mark A. , Roehm Pamela C. , Bannan Michael A. , Lalwani Anil K. 
Published: November 2013

Objectives/HypothesisMelanin is a pigmented polymer with a known role in dermal solar protection. In vertebrates, melanogenesis has been reported in leukocyte populations, suggesting a potential role in innate immunity. In this study, we report the novel finding of melanin associated with chronic inflammation and speculate on its potential role in the middle ear and mastoid.Study DesignRetrospective review of case series.MethodsMedical records of six patients who demonstrated melanin in the ear were reviewed.ResultsSix patients from 1 to 63 years of age were identified with extracellular melanin and melanin‐laden histiocytes within the middle ear and/or mastoid air cells at time of surgery. Concurrent intraoperative findings included cholesteatoma (n = 3), chronic suppurative otitis media (n = 2), and coalescent mastoiditis (n = 1). Histologically, extracellular melanin and melanin‐laden histiocytes were identified by Fontana‐Masson stain; absence of melanocytes was confirmed by the absence of Melan‐A staining. One patient had a positive stain for CD163 (a marker for macrophages).ConclusionThis case series is the first demonstration of melanin within middle ear mucosa without melanocytes in immediate proximity or metastatic melanocytic lesions. Melanin's presence in the setting of inflammation suggests that there may be a heretofore unreported link between the pigmentary and immune systems in the middle ear.Level of Evidence4. Laryngoscope, 124:E241–E244, 2014
Internal mammary perforator vessels as recipient site for microsurgical breast reconstruction: A comparative histomorphometric analysis and incidence of degenerative vascular changes
Authors: Mendonça Munhoz Alexandre , Ishida luis h. , Montag Eduardo , Saito Fábio L. , Mendes Marcio , Alves Hélio , Gemperli Rolf 
Published: November 2013

BackgroundIn microsurgical breast reconstruction, an adequate selection of recipient vessels is crucial for a successful outcome. Although the internal mammary (IM) vessels offer an attractive option, the internal mammary perforator (IMP) vessels are becoming a reliable alternative. The purpose of this study is to investigate the external diameters, lumen area, and atherosclerotic lesions changes of the IMP, IM, and deep inferior epigastric (DIE) vessels through quantitative and qualitative histomorphometric analysis.MethodsNinety‐six vessels of bilateral IM, IMP, and DIE vessels from 16 fresh female cadavers were evaluated. Mean age was 54.06 ± 5.7 years. External diameters, lumen area, and degenerative changes of the tunica intimae and media were analyzed by qualitative histomorphometric analysis.ResultsSeventy‐one vessels (20 IM, 31 IMP, and 20 DIE vessels) were included in the final histological analysis. A statistically lower external diameters and lumen area were presented by the IMP. The DIE vessels showed a lower incidence (10%) of moderate and severe intimal layer degenerative changes (P = 0.0589). The IMP and DIE vessels showed a lower incidence (9.4 and 25%, respectively) of major media layer degenerative changes (P = 0.0001). No major arterial degenerative lesions were observed in the IMP arteries.ConclusionAlthough the IMP external diameters and lumen area were lower than the IM, the results of this study indicated that the tunica media layer in the IMP is less damaged than the other recipient vessels. The results of the comparative histological study permitted to describe additional advantages and disadvantages of using IMP as a recipient vessel for free flap breast reconstruction. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 34:217–223, 2014.
Patient demographics and health plan paid costs in chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy
Authors: Guptill Jeffrey T. , Bromberg Mark B. , Zhu Li , Sharma Bal K. , Thompson Amy R. , Krueger Andrew , Sanders Donald B. 
Published: November 2013

ABSTRACTIntroduction: We determined health plan paid costs and healthcare resource usage of patients with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP). Methods: CIDP patients from 9 U.S. commercial health plans with claims in 2011 were identified from the Accordant Health Services claims database. We examined demographics, prevalence of comorbidities, prescribed drugs, place of service, and mean annual health plan paid costs per patient. Results: From 6.5 million covered lives, 73 (56% men; mean age 47) met study entry criteria. The most prescribed therapies were intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) (26% of patients), gabapentin (26%), and prednisone (16%). The annual health plan paid cost was $56,953. Pharmacy cost was the major cost driver (57% of the total), and IVIg totaled 90% of the pharmacy costs. Conclusions: Healthcare costs for CIDP patients are substantial, with a large burden in pharmacy usage. Studies are needed to determine optimal long‐term treatment strategies for CIDP, particularly related to IVIg. Muscle Nerve 50: 47–51, 2014
Ti/C‐3Ni/Al as a Replacement Time Delay Composition
Authors: Miklaszewski Eric J. , Poret Jay C. , Shaw Anthony P. , Son Steven F. , Groven Lori J. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractReplacement reactive systems for the tungsten delay composition (W/BaCrO4/KClO4/diatomaceous earth) are needed due to recent concerns over the toxicity of hexavalent chromium and perchlorates. Systems based on condensed phase reactions, that are typically used in combustion synthesis (e.g., Ti/C or Ni/Al) are of interest as replacements due to their wide range of combustion velocities and potentially low environmental impact. In this work, the combustion characteristics of the Ti/C‐3Ni/Al reactive system were examined in microchannels with inner diameters ranging from 3.0–6.0 mm (i.e., similar to that of a common delay housing). It was found that this reactive system could be tailored to overcome the heat losses associated with small diameter microchannels by changing the relative amounts of Ti/C and 3Ni/Al. At 40 wt.‐% Ti/C content, the failure diameter was found to be between 3.0 and 4.0 mm, while at 30 wt.‐% Ti/C the failure diameter was between 4.8 and 6.0 mm. Measured combustion temperatures in metal microchannels were approximately 1700 K while those of unconfined pellets were around 100 K greater. Increasing Ti/C content resulted in faster combustion velocities while decreasing microchannel diameter resulted in slower combustion velocities. At these small sizes the effects of adding a thermal barrier (specifically Grafoil™) to minimize radial heat losses to the microchannel were shown to be minimal with respect to combustion velocity. The Ti/C‐3Ni/Al system was shown to be a suitable delay fuze composition with tunable combustion velocities ranging from 2.1–38.1 mm s−1 in aluminum microchannels with diameters ranging from 4.0–6.0 mm.
Solution properties of γ‐crystallins: Hydration of fish and mammal γ‐crystallins
Authors: Zhao Huaying , Chen Yingwei , Rezabkova Lenka , Wu Zhengrong , Wistow Graeme , Schuck Peter 
Published: November 2013

AbstractLens γ crystallins are found at the highest protein concentration of any tissue, ranging from 300 mg/mL in some mammals to over 1000 mg/mL in fish. Such high concentrations are necessary for the refraction of light, but impose extreme requirements for protein stability and solubility. γ‐crystallins, small stable monomeric proteins, are particularly associated with the lowest hydration regions of the lens. Here, we examine the solvation of selected γ‐crystallins from mammals (human γD and mouse γS) and fish (zebrafish γM2b and γM7). The thermodynamic water binding coefficient B1 could be probed by sucrose expulsion, and the hydrodynamic hydration shell of tightly bound water was probed by translational diffusion and structure‐based hydrodynamic boundary element modeling. While the amount of tightly bound water of human γD was consistent with that of average proteins, the water binding of mouse γS was found to be relatively low. γM2b and γM7 crystallins were found to exhibit extremely low degrees hydration, consistent with their role in the fish lens. γM crystallins have a very high methionine content, in some species up to 15%. Structure‐based modeling of hydration in γM7 crystallin suggests low hydration is associated with the large number of surface methionine residues, likely in adaptation to the extremely high concentration and low hydration environment in fish lenses. Overall, the degree of hydration appears to balance stability and tissue density requirements required to produce and maintain the optical properties of the lens in different vertebrate species.
IRES mediated translational regulation of p53 isoforms
Authors: Sharathchandra Arandkar , Katoch Aanchal , Das Saumitra 
Published: November 2013

p53 is a well known tumor suppressor protein that plays a critical role in cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. It has several isoforms which are produced by transcriptional and posttranscriptional regulatory mechanisms. p53 mRNA has been demonstrated to be translated into two isoforms, full‐length p53 (FL‐p53) and a truncated isoform ΔN‐p53 by the use of alternative translation initiation sites. The mechanism of translation regulation of these two isoforms was further elucidated by the discovery of IRES elements in the p53 mRNA. These two IRESs were shown to regulate the translation of p53 and ΔN‐p53 in a distinct cell‐cycle phase‐dependent manner. This review focuses on the current understanding of the regulation of p53 IRES mediated translation and the role of cis and trans acting factors that influence expression of p53 isoforms. WIREs RNA 2014, 5:131–139. doi: 10.1002/wrna.1202This article is categorized under:

RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > Protein–RNA Recognition
RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > Protein–RNA Interactions: Functional Implications
Translation > Translation Regulation
Convective diffusive mixing in concentration polarization: from Taylor dispersion to surface convection
Authors: Rubinstein I. , Zaltzman B. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractWe analyse the steady-state convection–diffusion mixing of a solute by a creeping circulatory flow in a long sealed rectangular two-dimensional channel with impermeable sidewalls and fixed different solute concentrations at the two opposite edges. Solution circulation is due to a constant velocity slip along the sidewalls and a back flow along the channel axis. This simple model distils the essence of circulation in concentration polarization of an electrolyte solution under a DC electric current in a micro-channel sealed by an ion-selective element (a nano-channel or a cation exchange membrane). It is observed that in the slow circulation regime (small$Pe$numbers) the solute flux through the channel is governed by the Taylor–Aris dispersion mechanism, i.e. the flux is driven by the cross-sectional average axial concentration gradient, whereas upon increase in$Pe$this mechanism fails. The general question addressed is where the system goes after the breakdown of the Taylor–Aris dispersion regime. In order to find out the answer, the following specific questions have to be addressed. (1) How does the Taylor–Aris dispersion mechanism break down upon increase in$Pe$? (2) Why does it break down? (3) What is the role of the channel aspect ratio in this breakdown? The answers to these questions are obtained through analysing a hierarchy of suitable auxiliary model problems, including the unidirectional zero discharge channel flow and the circulatory analogue of plane-parallel Couette flow, for which most of the analysis is done. They may be summarized as follows. Upon increase in circulation velocity, the Taylor–Aris dispersion mechanism fails due to the formation of lateral non-uniformities of longitudinal solute concentration gradient driving the dispersion flux. These non-uniformities accumulate in protrusion-like disturbances of the solute concentration (wall fingers) emerging near the channel sidewall at the flow exit from the edge. Wall fingers propagate along the sidewalls with increase in$Pe$and eventually reach the opposite channel edges, transforming into narrow surface convection layers. These layers, together with the edge diffusion layers, form a closed mass transport pattern carrying most of the mass flux through the channel with the bulk largely excluded from the transport. The formation of this pattern finalizes the transition from Taylor–Aris dispersion to the surface convection regime. For large circulation velocities, concentration distribution in the surface convection layers attains an oscillatory spiral structure reminiscent of thermal waves in heat conduction.
Steady approach of unsteady low-Reynolds-number flow past two rotating circular cylinders
Authors: Ueda Y. , Kida T. , Iguchi M. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThe long-time viscous flow about two identical rotating circular cylinders in a side-by-side arrangement is investigated using an adaptive numerical scheme based on the vortex method. The Stokes solution of the steady flow about the two-cylinder cluster produces a uniform stream in the far field, which is the so-called Jeffery’s paradox. The present work first addresses the validation of the vortex method for a low-Reynolds-number computation. The unsteady flow past an abruptly started purely rotating circular cylinder is therefore computed and compared with an exact solution to the Navier–Stokes equations. The steady state is then found to be obtained for $t\gg 1$ with ${\mathit{Re}}_{\omega } {r}^{2} \ll t$, where the characteristic length and velocity are respectively normalized with the radius ${a}_{1} $ of the circular cylinder and the circumferential velocity ${\Omega }_{1} {a}_{1} $. Then, the influence of the Reynolds number ${\mathit{Re}}_{\omega } = { a}_{1}^{2} {\Omega }_{1} / \nu $ about the two-cylinder cluster is investigated in the range $0. 125\leqslant {\mathit{Re}}_{\omega } \leqslant 40$. The convection influence forms a pair of circulations (called self-induced closed streamlines) ahead of the cylinders to alter the symmetry of the streamline whereas the low-Reynolds-number computation (${\mathit{Re}}_{\omega } = 0. 125$) reaches the steady regime in a proper inner domain. The self-induced closed streamline is formed at far field due to the boundary condition being zero at infinity. When the two-cylinder cluster is immersed in a uniform flow, which is equivalent to Jeffery’s solution, the streamline behaves like excellent Jeffery’s flow at ${\mathit{Re}}_{\omega } = 1. 25$ (although the drag force is almost zero). On the other hand, the influence of the gap spacing between the cylinders is also investigated and it is shown that there are two kinds of flow regimes including Jeffery’s flow. At a proper distance from the cylinders, the self-induced far-field velocity, which is almost equivalent to Jeffery’s solution, is successfully observed in a two-cylinder arrangement.
Dietary energy density and its association with the nutritional quality of the diet of children and teenagers
Authors: O'Connor Laura , Walton Janette , Flynn Albert 
Published: November 2013

AbstractTo examine the relationship between dietary energy density (DED) and the nutritional quality of the diet, using data from the Irish National Children's Food Survey (NCFS) and the National Teens' Food Survey (NTFS), two cross-sectional studies of food consumption were carried out between 2003 and 2006. Data from the NCFS and NTFS were used to examine the intakes of nutrients and foods among those with low- (NCFS <7·56, NTFS <7·65 kJ/g), medium- (NCFS 7·56–8·75, NTFS 7·66–8·85 kJ/g) and high-energy-dense diets (NCFS >8·75, NTFS >8·85 kJ/g). A 7-d food diary was used to collect food intake data from children (n 594) and teenagers (n 441). DED (kJ/g) was calculated including food alone and excluding beverages. Participants with lower DED consumed more food (weight) but not more energy. They also consumed less fat and added sugars and more protein, carbohydrates, starch and dietary fibre and had higher intakes of micronutrients. Participants with lower DED had food intake patterns that adhered more closely to food-based dietary guidelines. Low DED was associated with multiple individual indicators of a better nutritional quality of the diet, including higher intakes of dietary fibre and micronutrients and a generally better balance of macronutrients, as well as being associated with food intake patterns that were closer to healthy eating guidelines. Taken together, these findings support the conclusion that a low DED may be an indicator of a better nutritional quality of the diet.
Sarcocystisspecies in red deer revisited: with a re-description of two known species asSarcocystis elongatan. sp. andSarcocystis truncatan. sp. based on mitochondrialcox1sequences
Authors: GJERDE BJØRN 
Published: November 2013

SUMMARYIn a previous investigation, fiveSarcocystisspecies were described from Norwegian red deer and believed to be conspecific with species occurring in either reindeer or moose based on sarcocyst morphology and nucleotide sequences of the nuclear ribosomal DNA unit. The aim of the present study was to characterize numerous isolates of these sarcocyst types at the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene (cox1) in order to corroborate or refute previous species designations ofSarcocystisin red deer. TheSarcocystis tarandi- andSarcocystis rangiferi-like taxa in red deer and reindeer, respectively, were thoroughly compared by sequencing 14–27 isolates of each type. Sequence comparisons revealed four distinct sequence types, which by phylogenetic analyses were placed in four monophyletic groups according to host origin, and they were therefore considered to represent four separate species. The two taxa of this type in red deer were namedSarcocystis elongataandSarcocystis truncata, respectively. Sequencing of many isolates ofSarcocystis hjortiandSarcocystis ovalisfrom red deer and moose confirmed that these species occur in both hosts. A revised description of the two new species is given and the current knowledge concerning all sixSarcocystisspecies in red deer is reviewed.
State, Territorial, and Local Health Departments’ Reporting of Partnership Strength Before and After the H1N1 Response
Authors: Kun Karen E. , Zimmerman John , Rose Dale A. , Rubel Stephanie 
Published: November 2013

AbstractIntroductionResearch has shown that partnerships between public health agencies, service providers, and other key stakeholders can expand resources and facilitate focus on community health issues more effectively than can any agency or organization acting alone. There is, however, little empirical evidence drawn from actual public health emergency responses to support this claim. The US response to novel influenza A (H1N1) virus provided the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) the opportunity to explore whether, and the extent to which, state, local and territorial health departments strengthened partnerships with key partner agencies and sectors.MethodsParticipants included the CDC Public Health Emergency Response (PHER) grantees comprised of 62 state, territorial and local health departments. PHER grantees completed an assessment instrument in May 2011, including questions asking them to rate their partnership strength (on a four-point ordinal scale) with six types of partners before and after the H1N1 response. Grantees additionally reported if and how PHER funding contributed to enhancing the strength of these partnerships.ResultsSixty-one PHER grantees (61/62, 98%) completed the assessment instrument's partnerships section. PHER grantees reported that their partnerships with retail pharmacies were most strengthened (mean increase = 1.11 (on a four-point ordinal scale), SD = .82). This was followed by schools (K-12) (mean increase = .90, SD = .58); private medical providers (mean increase = .81, SD = .68); immunization authorities (mean increase = .80, SD = .61); main education authorities (mean increase = .75, SD = .68); and businesses (mean increase = .74, SD = .61). Mean PHER grantee increases in the strength of each partner type were statistically significant for all partner types (P < .01). Grantees reported that PHER funding contributed to enhancing the strength of their partnerships with schools most frequently (46/46, 100%), and businesses least frequently (31/37, 83.8%).ConclusionsThis inquiry provides evidence that state, territorial, and local health department partnerships with key sectors, agencies, and programs were strengthened after the H1N1 response. It further demonstrates that the CDC's PHER funding contributed to the health departments’ reports of increased partnership strength.KunK, ZimmermanJ, RoseD, RubelS. State, territorial, and local health departments’ reporting of partnership strength before and after the H1N1 response. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2013;28(6):1-6.
Niche specialization of novel Thaumarchaeota to oxic and hypoxic acidic geothermal springs of Yellowstone National Park
Authors: Beam Jacob P , Jay Zackary J , Kozubal Mark A , Inskeep William P 
Published: November 2013

Abstract
Novel lineages of the phylum Thaumarchaeota are endemic to thermal habitats, and may exhibit physiological capabilities that are not yet observed in members of this phylum. The primary goals of this study were to conduct detailed phylogenetic and functional analyses of metagenome sequence assemblies of two different thaumarchaeal populations found in high-temperature (65–72 °C), acidic (pH∼3) iron oxide and sulfur sediment environments of Yellowstone National Park (YNP). Metabolic reconstruction was coupled with detailed geochemical measurements of each geothermal habitat and reverse-transcriptase PCR to confirm the in situ activity of these populations. Phylogenetic analyses of ribosomal and housekeeping proteins place these archaea near the root of the thaumarchaeal branch. Metabolic reconstruction suggests that these populations are chemoorganotrophic and couple growth with the reduction of oxygen or nitrate in iron oxide habitats, or sulfur in hypoxic sulfur sediments. The iron oxide population has the potential for growth via the oxidation of sulfide to sulfate using a novel reverse sulfate reduction pathway. Possible carbon sources include aromatic compounds (for example, 4-hydroxyphenylacetate), complex carbohydrates (for example, starch), oligopeptides and amino acids. Both populations contain a type III ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase used for carbon dioxide fixation or adenosine monophosphate salvage. No evidence for the oxidation of ammonia was obtained from de novo sequence assemblies. Our results show that thermoacidophilic Thaumarchaeota from oxic iron mats and hypoxic sulfur sediments exhibit different respiratory machinery depending on the presence of oxygen versus sulfide, represent deeply rooted lineages within the phylum Thaumarchaeota and are endemic to numerous sites in YNP.