bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Pekin duck programmed death‐ligand 1: cDNA cloning, genomic structure, molecular characterization and mRNA expression analysis
Authors: Yao Q. , Fischer K. P. , Tyrrell D. L. , Gutfreund K. S. 
Published: December 2014

SummaryProgrammed death ligand‐1 (PD‐L1) plays an important role in the attenuation of adaptive immune responses in higher vertebrates. Here, we describe the identification of the Pekin duck PD‐L1 orthologue (duPD‐L1) and its gene structure. The duPD‐L1 cDNA encodes a 311‐amino acid protein that has an amino acid identity of 78% and 42% with chicken and human PD‐L1, respectively. Mapping of the duPD‐L1 cDNA with duck genomic sequences revealed an exonic structure of its coding sequence similar to those of other vertebrates but lacked a noncoding exon 1. Homology modelling of the duPD‐L1 extracellular domain was compatible with the tandem IgV‐like and IgC‐like IgSF domain structure of human PD‐L1 (PDB ID: 3BIS). Residues known to be important for receptor binding of human PD‐L1 were mostly conserved in duPD‐L1 within the N‐terminus and the G sheet, and partially conserved within the F sheet but not within sheets C and C'. DuPD‐L1 mRNA was constitutively expressed in all tissues examined with highest expression levels in lung and spleen and very low levels of expression in muscle, kidney and brain. Mitogen stimulation of duck peripheral blood mononuclear cells transiently increased duPD‐L1 mRNA expression. Our observations demonstrate evolutionary conservation of the exonic structure of its coding sequence, the extracellular domain structure and residues implicated in receptor binding, but the role of the longer cytoplasmic tail in avian PD‐L1 proteins remains to be determined.
Vacuum‐assisted closure for skin necrosis after revision total knee arthroplasty
Authors: Sarman Hakan , Muezzinoglu Umit S , Memisoglu Kaya , Baran Tuncay 
Published: December 2014

AbstractAlthough skin necrosis following total knee arthroplasty or revision total knee arthroplasty is rare, it may cause severe complications. Skin changes begin with superficial infections and may result in removal of the prosthesis. Treatment of skin necrosis is an important factor, which determines the prognosis of the prosthesis. Several techniques have been defined for sufficient closure. In this article, we present the case of a patient who was treated for skin necrosis that developed after knee revision arthroplasty, using serial debridement, convergence sutures and an intermittent vacuum‐assisted closure device (KCI Inc., San Antonio, TX).
Off Track: The Disappearance of Tracking Stocks
Authors: Davidson Travis , Harper Joel 
Published: December 2014

During the two decades following the first announcement of a tracking stock issue by General Motors in 1984, over 50 new tracking stocks were created. The value of a tracking stock is supposed to reflect the performance of a division or operation of a firm, but does not have a direct claim on the division's assets or income. The voting rights of the tracking stock are only for the parent corporation, with no direct voting rights for the tracked division. The claimed benefits of issuing tracking stock include the use of internal capital markets, additional disclosure of the firm's operations, reduction of agency costs, the ability to directly compensate divisional management on performance, and greater analyst following and liquidity.But the last new issue of a tracking stock took place in 2001. And few, if any, tracking stocks still trade. This study examines how and why tracking stocks have largely stopped being issued, and why so many have been dissolved either through exchanges of shares, or sales or spin‐offs of the business units with tracking stock.
Global dissemination of extensively drug‐resistant carbapenemase‐producing Enterobacteriaceae: clinical perspectives on detection, treatment and infection control
Authors: Tängdén T. , Giske C. G. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractThe prevalence of carbapenem‐resistant Gram‐negative bacilli is on the rise worldwide, posing a major public health threat. Previously, this was mostly a problem in Pseudomonas and Acinetobacter, but during the last decade, carbapenem resistance has escalated in medically important species such as Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli. In particular, the rising trend in E. coli is of concern, as this may lead to almost untreatable community‐acquired infections. Resistance is conferred by carbapenemases, which are beta‐lactamases that can breakdown essentially all beta‐lactams. Moreover, bacteria carrying these resistance determinants are often resistant to other treatment options, due to the frequent co‐acquisition of non‐beta‐lactam resistance genes located on the same mobile genetic elements. The detection of carbapenemase‐producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) is a challenge, because some carbapenemases produce relatively discrete levels of carbapenem resistance. Current clinical evidence for treatment guidance is limited and based on retrospective observational studies and case reports. Existing data support the use of combination therapy for treatment of severe infections caused by CPE. Combination regimens including colistin, carbapenems, tigecycline, aminoglycosides and fosfomycin have been used. Randomized controlled studies of combination regimens are ongoing and may help to determine the optimal therapy. Novel beta‐lactamase inhibitors may also have a role in future treatment of these infections. Strict infection control measures including isolation or cohort care of affected patients as well as contact tracing and active screening are needed to curb the spread of CPE. In this review, we provide a clinical perspective on the management of patients infected or colonized with CPE.
Why is Impaired Sexual Function Distressing to Women? The Primacy of Pleasure in Female Sexual Dysfunction
Authors: Stephenson Kyle R. , Meston Cindy M. 
Published: December 2014

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Recent research has highlighted a complex association between female sexual function and subjective distress regarding sexual activity. These findings are difficult to explain given limited knowledge as to the mechanisms through which impaired sexual function causes distress.

Aim
The current study assessed whether a number of specific consequences of impaired sexual function, including decreased physical pleasure, disruption of sexual activity, and negative partner responses, mediated the association between sexual function and distress.

Methods
Eighty-seven women in sexually active relationships reporting impairments in sexual function completed validated self-report measures and daily online assessments of sexual experiences.

Main Outcome Measures
Participants completed the Sexual Satisfaction Scale for Women, the Female Sexual Function Index, and the Measure of Sexual Consequences.

Results
Results suggested that decreased physical pleasure and disruption of sexual activity, but not partner responses, statistically mediated the association between sexual function and distress.

Conclusion
Sexual consequences represent potential maintaining factors of sexual dysfunction that are highly distressing to women. Results are discussed in the context of theoretical models of sexual dysfunction and related treatments.
Evolutionary and biogeographical patterns of barnacles from deep‐sea hydrothermal vents
Authors: Herrera Santiago , Watanabe Hiromi , Shank Timothy M. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractThe characterization of evolutionary and biogeographical patterns is of fundamental importance to identify factors driving biodiversity. Due to their widespread but discontinuous distribution, deep‐sea hydrothermal vent barnacles represent an excellent model for testing biogeographical hypotheses regarding the origin, dispersal and diversity of modern vent fauna. Here, we characterize the global genetic diversity of vent barnacles to infer their time of radiation, place of origin, mode of dispersal and diversification. Our approach was to target a suite of multiple loci in samples representing seven of the eight described genera. We also performed restriction‐site associated DNA sequencing on individuals from each species. Phylogenetic inferences and topology hypothesis tests indicate that vent barnacles have colonized deep‐sea hydrothermal vents at least twice in history. Consistent with preliminary estimates, we find a likely radiation of barnacles in vent ecosystems during the Cenozoic. Our analyses suggest that the western Pacific was the place of origin of the major vent barnacle lineage, followed by circumglobal colonization eastwards through the Southern Hemisphere during the Neogene. The inferred time of radiation rejects the classic hypotheses of antiquity of vent taxa. The timing and the mode of origin, radiation and dispersal are consistent with recent inferences made for other deep‐sea taxa, including nonvent species, and are correlated with the occurrence of major geological events and mass extinctions. Thus, we suggest that the geological processes and dispersal mechanisms discussed here can explain the current distribution patterns of many other marine taxa and have played an important role shaping deep‐sea faunal diversity. These results also constitute the critical baseline data with which to assess potential effects of anthropogenic disturbances on deep‐sea ecosystems.
Invasion genetics of the Bermuda buttercup (Oxalis pes‐caprae): complex intercontinental patterns of genetic diversity, polyploidy and heterostyly characterize both native and introduced populations
Authors: Ferrero Victoria , Barrett Spencer C. H. , Castro Sílvia , Caldeirinha Patrícia , Navarro Luis , Loureiro João , Rodríguez‐Echeverría Susana 
Published: December 2014

AbstractGenetic diversity in populations of invasive species is influenced by a variety of factors including reproductive systems, ploidy level, stochastic forces associated with colonization and multiple introductions followed by admixture. Here, we compare genetic variation in native and introduced populations of the clonal plant Oxalis pes‐caprae to investigate the influence of reproductive mode and ploidy on levels of diversity. This species is a tristylous geophyte native to South Africa. Invasive populations throughout much of the introduced range are composed of a sterile clonal pentaploid short‐styled form. We examined morph ratios, ploidy level, reproductive mode and genetic diversity at nuclear microsatellite loci in 10 and 12 populations from South Africa and the Western Mediterranean region, respectively. Flow cytometry confirmed earlier reports of diploids and tetraploids in the native range, with a single population containing pentaploid individuals. Introduced populations were composed mainly of pentaploids, but sexual tetraploids were also found. There was clear genetic differentiation between ploidy levels, but sexual populations from both regions were not significantly different in levels of diversity. Invasive populations of the pentaploid exhibited dramatically reduced levels of diversity but were not genetically uniform. The occurrence of mixed ploidy levels and stylar polymorphism in the introduced range is consistent with multiple introductions to the Western Mediterranean. This inference was supported by variation patterns at microsatellite loci. Our study indicates that some invasive populations of Oxalis pes‐caprae are not entirely clonal, as often assumed, and multiple introductions and recombination have the potential to increase genetic variation in the introduced range.
Autologous Graft‐Versus‐Host Disease in a Child with Stage IV Neuroblastoma
Authors: Kaffenberger Jessica , Basak Sarah A. , Ioffreda Michael 
Published: December 2014

AbstractGraft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD) is an underappreciated complication of autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT) that can affect the skin, gastrointestinal tract, and liver. The development of this rare condition is probably due to an impairment of immunologic tolerance that can occur spontaneously through T‐cell dysregulation, possibly from intensive conditioning chemotherapy regimens, or intentionally through administration of cyclosporine in the hopes of promoting an antitumor response. We present the case of a 2‐year‐old boy with metastatic neuroblastoma who spontaneously developed autologous GVHD after AHSCT. Severe pruritus and an inability to taper his oral steroids without a disease flare marked his disease. Eventually partial relief was achieved with initiation of cyclosporine and a strict soak and smear protocol using topical triamcinolone 0.1% ointment.
Phakomatous Choristoma in a 10‐Week‐Old Boy: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Romano Ryan C. , McDonough Patrick , Salomao Diva R. , Fritchie Karen J. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractPhakomatous choristoma (PC) is a rare benign congenital lesion of lenticular anlage. It presents in young patients as a firm subcutaneous mass in the medial eyelid or orbit and may raise clinical concern for neoplasms such as rhabdomyosarcoma, but its histopathology is distinct, consisting of dense collagenous stroma and eosinophilic cuboidal epithelial cells forming nests, tubules, cords, or pseudoglands. We present a case of PC in a 10‐week‐old boy to illustrate the unique clinical, histopathologic, and immunophenotypic features of this condition and to reaffirm that familiarity with this rare entity aids accurate diagnosis.
The Effect of Size on the Splitting Strength of Cubic Concrete Members
Authors: Ince R. , Gör M. , Eren M. E. , Alyamaç K. E. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractIn the study of concrete fractures, split‐tension specimens, such as cylinders, cubes and diagonal cubes, are frequently preferred to beams. However, experimental investigations on concrete reveal that for the same specimen geometry, the nominal strength of specimen decreases with increasing specimen size. This phenomenon is named as the size effect in the fracture mechanics of concrete. Although nominal strength is also highly affected by the width of the distributed load in the split‐tension cylinder and cube specimens, this effect can be negligible within the practical range of the load‐distributed width in the diagonal cubes. However, the number of theoretical and experimental studies with diagonal split‐tension specimens is limited. Besides, a size effect formula for estimating the split‐tensile strength of the diagonal cube specimens has not been proposed. In this study, nine series of cube and diagonal cube specimens, with three different sizes but similar geometries, were tested under different load‐distributed widths. The ultimate loads obtained from the test results are analysed by the modified size effect law. Subsequently, prediction formulas are proposed, and they are compared with historical test data from the split‐cylinder specimens.
Impression cytology: a novel sampling technique for conjunctival cytology of the feline eye
Authors: Eördögh Réka , Schwendenwein Ilse , Tichy Alexander , Nell Barbara 
Published: December 2014

AbstractObjectiveImpression cytology is a noninvasive investigation of the ocular surface. It uses the adhesive features of different filter papers to collect a monolayer of epithelial cells from the cornea and/or conjunctiva. Samples obtained by impression cytology exhibit all characteristics of an ideal cytology specimen. The aim of this study was to test the feasibility of impression cytology and determine the most appropriate filter paper to achieve maximum diagnostic value of the feline eye.Animals StudiedTen healthy cats.ProceduresThe study was conducted in two phases. In the first phase, eight different filter papers (FPs) with various pore sizes were tested: 3.0‐, 1.2‐, 0.8‐, 0.45‐, 0.22‐, 0.05‐ and 0.025‐μm cellulose acetate papers and a 0.4‐μm Biopore membrane (BM). Samples were obtained from the superior bulbar and from the inferior palpebral conjunctiva. In the second phase, three different sampling methods – with and without topical anesthesia, and with topical anesthesia and drying of the conjunctiva – were compared employing the BM encased in the intended BM device (BMD). Samples were evaluated for cellularity and quality of cells.ResultsIn the first phase, samples obtained from the superior bulbar conjunctiva with the BM had the most sufficient cellularity and quality. In the second phase, BMD with topical anesthesia and additional drying of the conjunctiva was the most ideal method.ConclusionThe BMD may prove to be a suitable diagnostic tool for clinicians. Sampling is quick, processing is simple, and a large area of intact cells can be harvested.
A novel mutation of the GATA site in the erythroid cell‐specific regulatory element of the ABO gene in a blood donor with the AmB phenotype
Authors: Oda A. , Isa K. , Ogasawara K. , Kameyama K. , Okuda K. , Hirashima M. , Ishii H. , Kimura K. , Matsukura H. , Hirayama F. , Kawa K. 
Published: December 2014

The Am and Bm phenotypes are characterized by weak expression of the A or B antigens, respectively, by red blood cells with a normal expression by the saliva of secretors. Deletion of the regulatory element in the first intron of the ABO gene and disruption of the GATA motif in the element were found to be responsible. In this study, we identified a novel mutation within the GATA motif (G>C substitution at position c.28 + 5830) in the regulatory element of the A allele that might diminish transcription activity causing the generation of the AmB phenotype.
Field Experience of a Dry Low Emissions Combustion System for Allison 501-K Series of Engines
Authors: Razdan Mohan K. , Bach Charles S. , Bautista Paul J. 
Published: December 2014

Allison Engine Company has introduced a dry low emissions lean premixed combustion system, designated LE4, for the 501-K series industrial gas turbine engines. The design goals were 1) to develop a retrofittable combustion system which limits exhaust gas emission levels to less than 25 ppm NOx, 50 ppm CO and 20 ppm UHC while operating on natural gas fuel at full load conditions, and 2) to maintain system cost to less than that for alternate control methods.
Extensive in-house engine tests were completed to ensure successful combustion system operation including acceptable engine transient operation during load dumps, and also to optimize the window of operation for emissions performance. These tests have demonstrated engine emissions levels which are below the goals, with NOx less than 15 ppm, CO less than 20 ppm, and UHC less than 10 ppm, all corrected to 15% O2. These emissions can be maintained at the target levels for engine operation from 85 to 100% power. For applications requiring wider power operation, a diffuser bleed system has been engine demonstrated which maintains less than 25 ppm NOx, 50 ppm CO and 25 ppm UHC from 50 to 100% power. The combustion system employs a dual mode combustion approach to meet engine operability requirements and emissions targets. The control algorithm developed for the LE4 combustion system allows easy tailoring of the pilot-to-main fuel ratio schedule setting to meet the customer needs on a site by site basis to account for different ranges of ambient conditions. Use of Streamwise Oriented Effusion Cooling (SOEC) design in the liner wall met the maximum wall temperature goals of less than 1650°F.
The LE4 combustion system is operating currently in two applications: 501-KC5 ANR Pipeline application in Woodstock, IL, and 501-KB7 Cogeneration application in Scandiano, Italy. Measured emissions over time and a range of ambients in these engines show NOx, CO and UHC results which are better than the goals. The 501-KC5 engine has accumulated more than 3500 hours, and the 501-KB7 engine has accumulated more than 5500 hours. Both sites have been running with problem free operation, and borescope inspections have indicated excellent condition of the combustion systems.
WR-21 Intercooled Recuperated Gas Turbine System Overview and Update
Authors: Weiler Carl L. , Chiprich John 
Published: December 2014

In December 1991, the United States Navy awarded a contract to Northrop Grumman Marine Systems (then Westinghouse Electric Corporation) for the design and development of an intercooled, recuperated gas turbine engine system (ICR). The system is known by the designation WR-21. The development team includes Northrop Grumman as the prime contractor and system integrator, Rolls-Royce (RR) as the gas turbine developer, Allied Signal as developer of the recuperator cores, recuperator housing, and intercooler cores, and CAE Electronics Ltd. as the digital controller developer.
After the development program began, the Royal Navy and the French Navy became interested in the ICR technology and have since become active program participants. The Navy team’s joint goal is to design, develop, and qualify a fuel efficient engine for future surface combatants. This paper provides an overview and update of the WR-21 requirements, principles of operation, system description/performance, and the development program.
The Response of a New Lightweight Rail Track System (LR55) to Various Loading Environment
Authors: Al Nageim H. , Mohammad F. , Lesley Lewis 
Published: December 2014

The finite element method is used to determine the response of a new lightweight rail track system (LR55) to various loading environments.
To calculate the vertical displacement of the rail track system and the vertical pressure in the sub-base and sub-grade layers due to wheel loads and loads exerted by transversely passing vehicles across the track, the global stiffness matrix of the structure is determined. This is done by using one and two dimensional finite element programs. In the two dimensional finite element analysis, linear isoparametric elements with 4-node quadrilateral and 3-node triangular shapes in the discretised mesh of the whole structure are used, also non-homogeneous materials with isotropic of linear elastic behaviour are assumed for all the components forming the track system and surrounding media.
The results of the one dimensional finite element program are compared with those predicted from analytical approach in order to validate the finite element program developed. From the various examples presented the LR55 proves to withstand the main-line railway loading and the vertical pressure distribution in the sub-base and sub-grade of the pavement are within the allowable limit.
Inhibition of Nucleic Acid Biosynthesis Makes Little Difference to Formation of Amphotericin B-Tolerant Persisters in Candida albicans Biofilm
Authors: Sun Jing , Liu Xiaohua , Jiang Guangshui , Qi Qingguo 
Published: December 2014

ABSTRACT

Candida albicans
persisters constitute a small subpopulation of biofilm cells and play a major role in recalcitrant chronic candidiasis; however, the mechanism underlying persister formation remains unclear. Persisters are often described as dormant, multidrug-tolerant, nongrowing cells. Persister cells are difficult to isolate and study not only due to their low levels in
C. albicans
biofilms but also due to their transient, reversible phenotype. In this study, we tried to induce persister formation by inducing
C. albicans
cells into a dormant state.
C. albicans
cells were pretreated with 5-fluorocytosine (planktonic cells, 0.8 μg ml
−1
; biofilm cells, 1 μg ml
−1
) for 6 h at 37°C, which inhibits nucleic acid and protein synthesis. Biofilms and planktonic cultures of eight
C. albicans
strains were surveyed for persisters after amphotericin B treatment (100 μg ml
−1
for 24 h) and CFU assay. None of the planktonic cultures, with or without 5-fluorocytosine pretreatment, contained persisters. Persister cells were found in biofilms of all tested
C. albicans
strains, representing approximately 0.01 to 1.93% of the total population. However, the persister levels were not significantly increased in
C. albicans
biofilms pretreated with 5-fluorocytosine. These results suggest that inhibition of nucleic acid synthesis did not seem to increase the formation of amphotericin B-tolerant persisters in
C. albicans
biofilms.