bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Overview of the physics and engineering design of NSTX upgrade
Authors: Menard J.E. , Gerhardt S. , Bell M. , Bialek J. , Brooks A. , Canik J. , Chrzanowski J. , Denault M. , Dudek L. , Gates D.A. , Gorelenkov N. , Guttenfelder W. , Hatcher R. , Hosea J. , Kaita R. , Kaye S. , Kessel C. , Kolemen E. , Kugel H. , Maingi R. , Mardenfeld M. , Mueller D. , Nelson B. , Neumeyer C. , Ono M. , Perry E. , Ramakrishnan R. , Raman R. , Ren Y. , Sabbagh S. , Smith M. , Soukhanovskii V. , Stevenson T. , Strykowsky R. , Stutman D. , Taylor G. , Titus P. , Tresemer K. , Tritz K. , Viola M. , Williams M. , Woolley R. , Yuh H. , Zhang H. , Zhai Y. , Zolfaghari A. 
Published: July 2012

Abstract
The spherical tokamak (ST) is a leading candidate for a Fusion Nuclear Science Facility (FNSF) due to its compact size and modular configuration. The National Spherical Torus eXperiment (NSTX) is a MA-class ST facility in the US actively developing the physics basis for an ST-based FNSF. In plasma transport research, ST experiments exhibit a strong (nearly inverse) scaling of normalized confinement with collisionality, and if this trend holds at low collisionality, high fusion neutron fluences could be achievable in very compact ST devices. A major motivation for the NSTX Upgrade (NSTX-U) is to span the next factor of 3–6 reduction in collisionality. To achieve this collisionality reduction with equilibrated profiles, NSTX-U will double the toroidal field, plasma current, and NBI heating power and increase the pulse length from 1–1.5 s to 5–8 s. In the area of stability and advanced scenarios, plasmas with higher aspect ratio and elongation, high β
N, and broad current profiles approaching those of an ST-based FNSF have been produced in NSTX using active control of the plasma β and advanced resistive wall mode control. High non-inductive current fractions of 70% have been sustained for many current diffusion times, and the more tangential injection of the 2nd NBI of the Upgrade is projected to increase the NBI current drive by up to a factor of 2 and support 100% non-inductive operation. More tangential NBI injection is also projected to provide non-solenoidal current ramp-up as needed for an ST-based FNSF. In boundary physics, NSTX measures an inverse relationship between the scrape-off layer heat-flux width and plasma current that could unfavourably impact next-step devices. Recently, NSTX has successfully demonstrated substantial heat-flux reduction using a snowflake divertor configuration, and this type of divertor is incorporated in the NSTX-U design. The physics and engineering design supporting NSTX Upgrade is described.
Disease emergence and invasions
Authors: Hatcher Melanie J. , Dick Jaimie T. A. , Dunn Alison M. 
Published: July 2012

SummaryEmerging infectious diseases (EIDs) are recognized as having significant social, economic and ecological costs, threatening human health, food security, wildlife conservation and biodiversity. We review the processes underlying the emergence of infectious disease, focusing on the similarities and differences between conceptual models of disease emergence and biological invasions in general.Study of theIUCN's list of the world's worst invaders reveals that disease is cited as a driver behind the conservation, medical or economic impact of nearly a quarter of the species on the data base.The emergence of novel diseases in new host species are, in essence, examples of invasions by parasites. Many of the ecological and anthropogenic drivers of disease emergence and classical invasions are also shared, with environmental change and global transport providing opportunities for the introduction and spread of invaders and novel parasites.The phases of disease emergence and biological invasions have many parallels; particularly the early and late phases, where demographic and anthropogenic factors are key drivers. However, there are also differences in the intermediate phases, where host–parasite co‐evolution plays a crucial role in determining parasite establishment in novel hosts.Similar opportunities and constraints on control and management occur at the different phases of invasions and disease emergence. However, exploitation of host immune responses offers additional control opportunities through contact control and vaccination againstEIDs. We propose that cross‐fertilization between the disciplines of disease emergence and invasion biology may provide further insights into their prediction, control and management.
FoxP3+ T regulatory cells in oral lichen planus and its correlation with the distinct clinical appearance of the lesions
Authors: Pereira Joabe S. , Monteiro Bárbara V. , Nonaka Cassiano F. , Silveira Éricka J. , Miguel Márcia C. 
Published: July 2012

SummaryThe aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of FoxP3+ cells in oral lichen planus (OLP) and to correlate the findings with clinical and histopathological features of these lesions. The sample consisted of 32 cases of OLP (17 reticular and 15 erosive cases) and 10 cases of inflammatory fibrous hyperplasia (IFH). Clinical examination, histopathological and histomorphometric analysis, and immunohistochemistry (anti‐FoxP3 antibody) were performed. Cells were counted in juxtaepithelial and intraepithelial regions of the lesions, and the results are expressed as the mean and range. Most erosive lesions were keratinized and exhibited epithelial atrophy, whereas most reticular lesions were hyperkeratinized. Mean epithelial thickness and mean density of the inflammatory infiltrate were higher in reticular lesions than in erosive OLP. Juxtaepithelial FoxP3+ cells were slightly more frequent in erosive lesions (mean: 1.7 and range: 0–9.4) than in reticular lesions (mean: 1.5 and range: 0–8.3). There was a significant difference in the frequency of these cells between OLP (mean: 1.6 and range: 0–9.4) and IFH (mean: 0.5 and range: 0–1.4) (P < 0.05). The number of intraepithelial FoxP3+ cells was higher in reticular OLP and IFH when compared with erosive lesions. The larger number of juxtaepithelial FoxP3+ cells in OLP compared to IFH might be related to the distinct etiopathogenesis of these lesions. High disease activity or action of the oral microbiota may explain the slightly higher frequency of FoxP3+ cells in erosive lesions.
Correlation of serum antibody titres with invasive methods for rapid detection of Helicobacter pylori infections in symptomatic children
Authors: Abdulqawi Khaled , El‐Mahalaway Abeer M. , Abdelhameed Amer , Abdelwahab Alsayed A. 
Published: July 2012

SummaryHelicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is causally associated with peptic ulcer disease and gastric carcinoma. Typically, children get infected during the first decade of life, but diseases associated with H. pylori are seen mainly in adults. Multiple diagnostic methods are available for the detection of H. pylori infection. The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation and diagnostic accuracy of three invasive methods [rapid urease test (RUT), histology and bacterial culture] and one non‐invasive method (IgG serology) for diagnosis of H. pylori infection in a prospective cohort study conducted on 50 symptomatic children between two and eighteen years of age. Endoscopies with gastric biopsies were performed for RUT, culture and histopathological examination, respectively. IgG antibodies were measured in patient sera using a commercially available enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RUT and positive H. pylori IgG antibodies were concordant in 88% (44/50) of patients. Both tests were negative in 32% (16/50), and both were positive in 56% (28/50). Disagreement occurred in 12% (6/50) of the patients: three of them (6%) had positive RUT and negative H. pylori IgG, and another three (6%) had negative RUT and positive H. pylori IgG. A combination of RUT with non‐invasive serology constituted the optimum approach to the diagnosis of H. pylori infection in symptomatic children. The non‐invasive serological test (ELISA) could not be used alone as the gold standard because it cannot distinguish between active and recently treated infection; and bacterial culture could not be used alone because of its low sensitivity.
Overexpression of the rhodanese PspE, a single cysteine‐containing protein, restores disulphide bond formation to an Escherichia coli strain lacking DsbA
Authors: Chng Shu‐Sin , Dutton Rachel J. , Denoncin Katleen , Vertommen Didier , Collet Jean‐Francois , Kadokura Hiroshi , Beckwith Jonathan 
Published: July 2012

SummaryEscherichia coli uses the DsbA/DsbB system for introducing disulphide bonds into proteins in the cell envelope. Deleting either dsbA or dsbB or both reduces disulphide bond formation but does not entirely eliminate it. Whether such background disulphide bond forming activity is enzyme‐catalysed is not known. To identify possible cellular factors that might contribute to the background activity, we studied the effects of overexpressing endogenous proteins on disulphide bond formation in the periplasm. We find that overexpressing PspE, a periplasmic rhodanese, partially restores substantial disulphide bond formation to a dsbA strain. This activity depends on DsbC, the bacterial disulphide bond isomerase, but not on DsbB. We show that overexpressed PspE is oxidized to the sulphenic acid form and reacts with substrate proteins to form mixed disulphide adducts. DsbC either prevents the formation of these mixed disulphides or resolves these adducts subsequently. In the process, DsbC itself gets oxidized and proceeds to catalyse disulphide bond formation. Although this PspE/DsbC system is not responsible for the background disulphide bond forming activity, we suggest that it might be utilized in other organisms lacking the DsbA/DsbB system.
Viscerofugal neurons recorded from guinea‐pig colonic nerves after organ culture
Authors: Hibberd T. J. , Zagorodnyuk V. P. , Spencer N. J. , Brookes S. J. H. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractBackground  Enteric viscerofugal neurons provide cholinergic synaptic inputs to prevertebral sympathetic neurons, forming reflex circuits that control motility and secretion. Extracellular recordings of identified viscerofugal neurons have not been reported.Methods  Preparations of guinea pig distal colon were maintained in organotypic culture for 4–6 days (n = 12), before biotinamide tracing, immunohistochemistry, or extracellular electrophysiological recordings from colonic nerves.Key Results  After 4–6 days in organ culture, calcitonin gene‐related peptide and tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactivity in enteric ganglia was depleted, and capsaicin‐induced firing (0.4 μmol L−1) was not detected, indicating that extrinsic sympathetic and sensory axons degenerate in organ culture. Neuroanatomical tracing of colonic nerves revealed that viscerofugal neurons persist and increase as a proportion of surviving axons. Extracellular recordings of colonic nerves revealed ongoing action potentials. Interestingly, synchronous bursts of action potentials were seen in 10 of 12 preparations; bursts were abolished by hexamethonium, which also reduced firing rate (400 μmol L−1, P < 0.01, n = 7). DMPP (1,1‐dimethyl‐4‐phenylpiperazinium; 10−4 mol L−1) evoked prolonged action potential discharge. Increased firing preceded both spontaneous and stretch‐evoked contractions (χ2 = 11.8, df = 1, P < 0.001). Firing was also modestly increased during distensions that did not evoke reflex contractions. All single units (11/11) responded to von Frey hairs (100–300 mg) in hexamethonium or Ca2+‐free solution.Conclusions & Inferences  Action potentials recorded from colonic nerves in organ cultured preparations originated from viscerofugal neurons. They receive nicotinic input, which coordinates ongoing burst firing. Large bursts preceded spontaneous and reflex‐evoked contractions, suggesting their synaptic inputs may arise from enteric circuitry that also drives motility. Viscerofugal neurons were directly mechanosensitive to focal compression by von Frey hairs.
Administration of Interferon (IFN)‐α Exacerbates Reovirus Type‐2‐Triggered Autoimmune Insulitis in DBA/1J Mice
Authors: Nakashima T. , Hayashi T. , Yamamoto Y. , Mizuno T. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractThe aim of this study is to clarify the effects of administrated interferon (IFN)‐α on Reovirus type‐2 (Reo‐2)‐triggered autoimmune insulitis. Newborn DBA/1J mice infected with Reo‐2 (on day 0) showed the highest titre in the pancreas on day 5 and thereafter the titre declined. Similar viral growth curve with lower titre was found in the spleen and thymus. Insulitis with impaired glucose tolerance developed in infected mice on day 10, but not on day 5. IFN‐α was produced in the blood on days 3 and 5, but not on days 7 and 10. During the virus growth phase, IFN‐α positive(+) cells were detected in some pancreatic islet cells and infiltrated dendritic cells (DCs) in interstitium. Virus antigen positive cells were detected in islet cells, but not in DCs. Administration with IFN‐α (102, 103 or 104 international unit) on day 7, which is the time of the disappearance of virus from the pancreas and IFN‐α from the blood, exacerbated insulitis with increased glucose values compared to only infected mice. IFN‐α administration at the same time of infection did not develop insulitis. In addition, IFN‐α administration in uninfected mice on day 7 did not cause any damage to islet cells. The present study suggests that IFN‐α may have a possibility to exacerbate Reo‐2‐tiggered mild insulitis.
A pleiotropic drug resistance transporter in Nicotiana tabacum is involved in defense against the herbivore Manduca sexta
Authors: Bienert Manuela D. , Siegmund Stephanie E. G. , Drozak Anna , Trombik Tomasz , Bultreys Alain , Baldwin Ian T. , Boutry Marc 
Published: July 2012

SummaryPleiotropic drug resistance (PDR) transporters are a group of membrane proteins belonging to the ABCG sub‐family of ATP binding cassette (ABC) transporters. There is clear evidence for the involvement of plant ABC transporters in resistance to fungal and bacterial pathogens, but not in the biotic stress response to insect or herbivore attack. Here, we describe a PDR transporter, ABCG5/PDR5, from Nicotiana tabacum. GFP fusion and subcellular fractionation studies revealed that ABCG5/PDR5 is localized to the plasma membrane. Staining of transgenic plants expressing the GUS reporter gene under the control of the ABCG5/PDR5 transcription promoter and immunoblotting of wild‐type plants showed that, under standard growth conditions, ABCG5/PDR5 is highly expressed in roots, stems and flowers, but is only expressed at marginal levels in leaves. Interestingly, ABCG5/PDR5 expression is induced in leaves by methyl jasmonate, wounding, pathogen infiltration, or herbivory by Manduca sexta. To address the physiological role of ABCG5/PDR5, N. tabacum plants silenced for the expression of ABCG5/PDR5 were obtained. No phenotypic modification was observed under standard conditions. However, a small increase in susceptibility to the fungus Fusarium oxysporum was observed. A stronger effect was observed in relation to herbivory: silenced plants allowed better growth and faster development of M. sexta larvae than wild‐type plants, indicating an involvement of this PDR transporter in resistance to M. sexta herbivory.
Costs, effects and cost‐effectiveness of breast cancer control in Ghana
Authors: Zelle Sten G. , Nyarko Kofi M. , Bosu William K. , Aikins Moses , Niëns Laurens M. , Lauer Jeremy A. , Sepulveda Cecilia R. , Hontelez Jan A. C. , Baltussen Rob 
Published: July 2012

AbstractObjective  Breast cancer control in Ghana is characterised by low awareness, late‐stage treatment and poor survival. In settings with severely constrained health resources, there is a need to spend money wisely. To achieve this and to guide policy makers in their selection of interventions, this study systematically compares costs and effects of breast cancer control interventions in Ghana.Methods  We used a mathematical model to estimate costs and health effects of breast cancer interventions in Ghana from the healthcare perspective. Analyses were based on the WHO‐CHOICE method, with health effects expressed in disability‐adjusted life years (DALYs), costs in 2009 US dollars (US$) and cost‐effectiveness ratios (CERs) in US$ per DALY averted. Analyses were based on local demographic, epidemiological and economic data, to the extent these data were available.Results  Biennial screening by clinical breast examination (CBE) of women aged 40–69 years, in combination with treatment of all stages, seems the most cost‐effective intervention (costing $1299 per DALY averted). The intervention is also economically attractive according to international standards on cost‐effectiveness. Mass media awareness raising (MAR) is the second best option (costing $1364 per DALY averted). Mammography screening of women of aged 40–69 years (costing $12 908 per DALY averted) cannot be considered cost‐effective.Conclusions  Both CBE screening and MAR seem economically attractive interventions. Given the uncertainty about the effectiveness of these interventions, only their phased introduction, carefully monitored and evaluated, is warranted. Moreover, their implementation is only meaningful if the capacity of basic cancer diagnostic, referral and treatment and possibly palliative services is simultaneously improved.
Diversity of patient preparation activities before initiation of antiretroviral therapy in Cape Town, South Africa
Authors: Myer Landon , Zulliger Rose , Pienaar David 
Published: July 2012

AbstractObjective To investigate patient education and counseling activities prior to the initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART) at public sector services across Cape Town, South Africa.Methods Key informant interviews and programme reviews were conducted with government bodies and non‐governmental organisations involved in patient preparation activities.Results All 11 organisations in Cape Town involved in training and managing personnel to prepare patients for ART during 2010 participated. Each organisation reported a different approach to patient preparation within public sector clinics and in each aspect of patient preparation activities. The number of patient education sessions ranged from 3 to 7, and the delays to ART initiation introduced by patient preparation ranged from 3 to 6 weeks. Different patient education materials (pamphlets, posters and flipcharts) were used by various programmes, and all programmes reported that shortages in materials meant that patient preparation often took place without any educational materials. Each programme also reported attention to mental illness and alcohol/substance use disorders, but none employed formal screening tools consistently, and the handling of patients with potential mental health‐ or substance‐related problems varied.Conclusion Approaches to prepare patients before ART initiation are wide ranging in one part of South Africa. Their relative value requires investigation, as there is little evidence for the impact of varying approaches. Moreover, the risks associated with delayed ART initiation may outweigh any benefits of patient education before the start of treatment.
Effect of intervention on decision making of treatment for disease progression, prostate‐specific antigen biochemical failure and prostate cancer death
Authors: Huang Rex C.‐C. , Auvinen Anssi , Hakama Matti , Tammela Teuvo L. J. , Ala‐Opas Martti , Leppilahti Mikael , Vornanen Timo , Chen Hsiu‐Hsi 
Published: July 2012

AbstractBackgroundPatient preference for the choice of treatment modality for prostate cancer has increasingly gained attention.ObjectiveTo assess the impact of client‐oriented decision on long‐term mortality, disease progression and biochemical failure compared with standard treatment protocol (TP).MethodsWith data from a Finnish multicentre, randomized controlled trial with two arms [104 in the enhanced patient participation (EPP) arm and 106 in the TP arm], disease‐specific and disease‐free survival, biochemical failure with elevated prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) level and disease progression were compared between the two arms using Wilcoxon test and also Cox proportional hazards regression model.ResultsPatients in the EPP arm had a higher risk of death by 37% [HR, 1.37 (0.87–2.17)] compared with those in the TP arm. Patients in the EPP arm were at increased risk of having biochemical failure by 14% [HR, 1.14 (0.72–1.79)] and for having disease progression by 2% [HR, 1.02 (0.61–1.70)] compared with those in the TP arm. All the differences were non‐significant.ConclusionsPatients actively involved in the choice of treatment had higher risk of prostate cancer death but only slightly increased risk of biochemical failure and clinical disease progression. These findings would provide a good reference when patient autonomy for the choice of treatment modality is addressed.
Devastating outflow obstruction after pediatric split liver transplantation
Authors: Sakamoto Seisuke , Nakazawa Atsuko , Shigeta Takanobu , Uchida Hajime , Kanazawa Hiroyuki , Fukuda Akinari , Karaki Ciaki , Nosaka Shunsuke , Kasahara Mureo 
Published: July 2012

Sakamoto S, Nakazawa A, Shigeta T, Uchida H, Kanazawa H, Fukuda A, Karaki C, Nosaka S, Kasahara M. Devastating outflow obstruction after pediatric split liver transplantation.Abstract:  HVOO is a rare complication after pediatric LT, which may lead to graft failure. There are various causes of HVOO, such as mechanical anastomotic obstruction and SOS. A 10‐month‐old female underwent split LT from a deceased donor for ALF. Her postoperative course was uneventful. However, her liver function suddenly deteriorated a month later. A liver biopsy revealed centrilobular injury, and D‐US suggested outflow obstruction. Venography was performed to reveal hepatic venous narrowing inside the graft. She received another graft from a living donor because of progressive graft failure in spite of successful venoplasty with stent insertion. The macroscopic findings of the explanted graft did not show an anastomotic stricture of the hepatic vein, although the pathological findings revealed necrosis of the first graft due to SOS. SOS might cause severe consequences with concomitant mechanical outflow obstruction after pediatric LT.
Successful bone marrow transplantation with reduced intensity conditioning in a patient with delayed‐onset adenosine deaminase deficiency
Authors: Kanegane Hirokazu , Taneichi Hiromichi , Nomura Keiko , Wada Taizo , Yachie Akihiro , Imai Kohsuke , Ariga Tadashi , Santisteban Ines , Hershfield Michael S. , Miyawaki Toshio 
Published: July 2012

Kanegane H, Taneichi H, Nomura K, Wada T, Yachie A, Imai K, Ariga T, Santisteban I, Hershfield MS, Miyawaki T. Successful bone marrow transplantation with reduced intensity conditioning in a patient with delayed‐onset adenosine deaminase deficiency.Abstract:  In this case report, we describe successful BMT with RIC in a patient with delayed‐onset ADA deficiency. A three‐yr‐old Japanese boy was diagnosed with delayed‐onset ADA deficiency because of recurrent bronchitis, bronchiectasia, and lymphopenia. In addition, autoimmune thyroiditis and neutropenia were present. At four yr of age, he underwent BMT with a RIC regimen, including busulfan and fludarabine, from an HLA‐identical healthy sister. Engraftment after BMT was uneventful without GVHD. Decreased ADA levels in blood immediately increased following BMT, and the patient was disease‐free 13 months after BMT. These results suggest that BMT with RIC may sufficiently restore immune regulation in delayed‐onset ADA deficiency. A longer follow‐up period is needed to confirm these observations.