bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
High sensitivity detection of radio-frequency modulated magnetic moment in semiconductors
Authors: Guite Chinkhanlun , Venkataraman V. 
Published: October 2011

An experimental setup has been realized to measure weak magnetic moments which can be modulated at radio frequencies (∼1–5 MHz). Using an optimized radio-frequency (RF) pickup coil and lock-in amplifier, an experimental sensitivity of 10−15 Am2 corresponding to 10−18 emu has been demonstrated with a 1 s time constant. The detection limit at room temperature is 9.3 × 10−16 Am2/\documentclass[12pt]{minimal}\begin{document}$\sqrt{\mathrm{Hz}}$\end{document} Hz limited by Johnson noise of the coil. The setup has been used to directly measure the magnetic moment due to a small number (∼7 × 108) of spin polarized electrons generated by polarization modulated optical radiation in GaAs and Ge.
Spectrum Extraction for 2-D Fiber Spectrum Images Based on 2-D Gaussian Model
Authors: Zhu Zhangqin , Zhu Jia , Wang Sheng , Cao Shenghong , Bao Guangzhao , Ye Zhongfu 
Published: October 2011

AbstractA novel spectrum-extraction method based on a 2-D Gaussian model is proposed in this paper. First, the flat images are employed to fit the model parameters in the spatial orientation and the calibration lamp images are used to fit the model parameters in the wavelength orientation. Then normalized 2-D models are obtained by combining the parameters of the two orientations. The flux-extraction algorithm is based on least-square theory and the 2-D model. Through experiments, the extracted spectra by our method have a stronger ability to reduce noise than the 1-D spectrum extraction method.
First Report of Root Rot Caused by Fusarium solani on Benincasa hispida in the United States
Authors: Ji P. , Yin J. , Jackson K. L. 
Published: October 2011

Root rot was observed on wax gourd (Benincasa hispida (Thunb.) Cogn.) cv. Black Giant in August 2010 in a commercial vegetable farm in southern Georgia. Approximately 5% of the plants were affected and infected roots turned light to dark brown with partial or entire roots affected and the lower leaves became wilted. Symptomatic roots from six plants were surface sterilized with 0.6% sodium hypochlorite and plated on potato dextrose agar (PDA) medium. Pure cultures had white mycelia and spore masses and were obtained from all six plants by subculturing hyphal tips onto PDA. One- to two-celled, oval- to kidney-shaped microconidia and cylindrical macroconidia with two or three cells plus apical and basal cell were produced, which averaged 12.5 × 4 μm and 28 × 4.5 μm, respectively. Microconidia were abundant and macroconidia were sparse on PDA. Single-spore isolates were obtained and identified as a Fusarium sp. by PCR analysis with primers ITS-Fu-f and ITS-Fu-r (1). Genomic DNA of two isolates obtained from different plants was extracted and a portion of the translation elongation factor 1-α (TEF) gene of the isolates was amplified and sequenced (3). When compared with sequences available in the GenBank database, DNA sequences of the two isolates (GenBank Accession No. JF928376) shared 100% sequence identity with F. solani strain FRC S1734 (GenBank Accession No. DQ247527). The fungus was identified as F. solani (Mart.) Sacc. based on molecular analysis and morphological characteristics (2). Oat grains were separately infected with two isolates, BG2a and BG6, and used to inoculate healthy, 3-week-old wax gourd seedlings (cv. Black Giant) under greenhouse conditions (14-h photoperiod, 24 to 30°C). Each seedling was grown in a 10-cm pot containing a commercial potting mix, and five healthy plants were inoculated with each isolate by placing 15 infected oat grains around each plant at a depth of 5 cm in the soil. Five plants treated with noninfected oat grains served as controls. Symptoms identical to those on field samples developed on all inoculated plants 3 weeks after inoculation but not on the control plants. F. solani was reisolated from inoculated symptomatic plants and the identity was confirmed, which completed Koch's postulates. The experiment was repeated one more time under similar conditions. To our knowledge, this is the first report of root rot caused by F. solani on wax gourd in the United States. Wax gourd is an important specialty crop in the southeastern United States and the occurrence of this disease needs to be taken into account in wax gourd production. References: (1) K. A. Abd-Elsalam et al. Afr. J. Biotechnol. 2:82, 2003. (2) C. Booth. Fusarium Laboratory Guide to the Identification of the Major Species. CMI, Kew, England, 1977. (3) D. M. Geiser et al. Eur. J. Plant Pathol. 110:473, 2004.
Agreement in documentation of symptoms, clinical signs, and treatment at the end of life: a comparison of data retrieved from nurse interviews and electronic patient records using the Resident Assessment Instrument for Palliative Care
Authors: Steindal Simen A , Sørbye Liv Wergeland , Bredal Inger Schou , Lerdal Anners 
Published: October 2011

Aims and objectives.  To assess agreement between data retrieved from interviews with nurses and data from electronic patient records (EPR) about hospitalised patients’ symptoms, clinical signs and treatment during the last three days of life.Background.  Patient records have been used to map symptom prevalence in dying hospitalised patients. However, deficiencies have been found regarding nursing documentation. To our knowledge, this is the first study to assess the agreement between nurse interviews and patient electronic records during the last three days of life in a hospital.Design.  This retrospective study was undertaken in a Norwegian hospital.Method.  We used the resident assessment instrument for palliative care to interview nurses on 112 dying patients, and we independently extracted data from EPR. The agreement between the two data sets was computed with the kappa coefficient. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated. Interview data were used as a reference.Results.  The agreement between the two data sets ranged from poor to good and was highest among symptom variables, including pain, dyspnoea, nausea and the clinical sign falls. In contrast, several clinical variables ranged from poor to fair levels of agreement. The majority of the treatment variables ranged from moderate to good levels of agreement.Conclusions.  Data from the EPR on symptoms (e.g., pain, dyspnoea and nausea) and treatment variables appeared to be reliable and trustworthy, but the data related to fatigue, dry mouth, bloating and sleep interfering with normal functioning should be interpreted carefully.Relevance to clinical practice.  This study contributed to knowledge of agreement between data from nurse interviews and electronic records on symptoms, clinical signs and treatment of dying patients in last three days of life.
The 8‐year follow‐up of the PIAMA intervention study assessing the effect of mite‐impermeable mattress covers
Authors: Gehring U. , de Jongste J. C. , Kerkhof M. , Oldewening M. , Postma D. , van Strien R. T. , Wijga A. H. , Willers S. M. , Wolse A. , Gerritsen J. , Smit H. A. , Brunekreef B. 
Published: October 2011

To cite this article: Gehring U, de Jongste JC, Kerkhof M, Oldewening M, Postma D, van Strien RT, Wijga AH, Willers SM, Wolse A, Gerritsen J, Smit HA, Brunekreef B. The 8‐year follow‐up of the PIAMA intervention study assessing the effect of mite‐impermeable mattress covers. Allergy 2012; 67: 248–256.Abstract
Background:  Exposure to high levels of house dust mite (HDM) allergens is associated with the development of allergic sensitization to HDM, a risk factor for the development of asthma, rhinitis, and allergic dermatitis. We studied the effect of an early intervention with mite‐impermeable mattress covers on HDM allergen levels and the development of asthma and mite allergy throughout the first 8 years of life.
Methods:  High‐risk children (allergic mother) were prenatally recruited and randomly allocated to two groups receiving mite allergen–impermeable (n = 416) and placebo mattress covers (n = 394) or no intervention (n = 472). Asthma and allergies were assessed yearly by questionnaire. Specific immunoglobulin E and bronchial hyper‐responsiveness were measured at the age of 8 years. Mattress dust samples collected at different time points were analyzed for HDM allergens.
Results:  At the age of 8 years, levels of HDM allergen Der f1 but not Der p1 were lower in the active than the placebo mattress cover group. In repeated measures analyses, we found a temporary decreased risk of asthma symptoms at the age of 2 years in the intervention group compared to the placebo group and a temporary association between higher HDM allergen exposure at the age of 3 months and more asthma symptoms.
Conclusion:  Early intervention with mite‐impermeable mattress covers is successful in reducing exposure to Der f1; it only temporarily reduces the risk of asthma symptoms and does not reduce the risk of hay fever, eczema, and allergic sensitization.
Heritable variation in an extended phenotype: the case of a parasitoid manipulated by a virus
Authors: MARTINEZ J. , FLEURY F. , VARALDI J. 
Published: October 2011

AbstractIn host–symbiont interactions, the genes of both host and symbiont can influence phenotypic traits. In the context of a conflict of interest, fitness‐related traits are subjected to opposing selective pressures in the genomes of the partners. In the Drosophila parasitoid Leptopilina boulardi, females usually avoid laying eggs into already parasitized larvae. However, when infected by the virus LbFV, they readily lay additional eggs into parasitized larvae. Inducing superparasitism allows the virus to colonize uninfected parasitoid lineages but is usually maladaptive for the parasitoid. We tested for the presence of resistance genes to this behavioural manipulation in the parasitoid genotype by sampling 30 lines from five populations with contrasting viral prevalence, after infecting them with a reference viral isolate. No geographical differentiation was observed although some genotypes underwent less manipulation than others, and these differences were heritable across generations. The viral titre was not correlated with these differences although fecundity differed between extreme lines.
Survey of paediatric intravenous fluid prescription: Are we safe in what we know and what we do?
Authors: Keijzers Gerben , McGrath Melissa , Bell Christa 
Published: October 2011

AbstractObjective: The administration of i.v. fluids to children is common in hospital. There are risks associated with fluid therapy, especially iatrogenic hyponatraemia. The objective of this study was to assess the workplace practices and knowledge of tertiary hospital doctors regarding paediatric i.v. fluid prescription.Methods: This is a prospective, questionnaire‐based observational study conducted at a 570‐bed teaching hospital in June 2009. A convenience sample of doctors (n= 150), representing all levels of experience and all specialties that regularly prescribe paediatric i.v. fluids, were invited to participate. The main outcome measures consisted of demographical data and the ability to correctly prescribe paediatric fluids measured as ‘fluid calculation’, ‘fluid choice’ and ‘total’ percentage scores based on a percentage score of correctly answered questions using eight clinical scenarios.Results: One hundred and six (71%) doctors returned a completed questionnaire. The great majority of respondents had a method for calculating a fluid bolus and maintenance rates (91% and 97%, respectively). Scenarios involving infants, especially where an increased risk of antidiuretic hormone secretion was possible, were answered poorly. Senior doctors performed better than junior doctors. ED and paediatric doctors performed better than those in other specialities.Conclusions: Most doctors in this Australian tertiary hospital have a correct method for prescribing bolus and maintenance fluid rates. However, the potential for adverse events from i.v. fluid prescription remains. Further education in this area for junior doctors, introduction of standardized guidelines for fluid use and restriction of available fluid choice may reduce the risk of iatrogenic hyponatraemia in children.
MEK–ERK and heparin‐susceptible signaling pathways are involved in cell‐cycle entry of the wound edge retinal pigment epithelium cells in the adult newt
Authors: Yoshikawa Taro , Mizuno Aki , Yasumuro Hirofumi , Inami Wataru , Vergara Maria N. , Del Rio‐Tsonis Katia , Chiba Chikafumi 
Published: October 2011

SummaryThe onset mechanism of proliferation in mitotically quiescent retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells is still obscure in humans and newts, although it can be a clinical target for manipulating both retinal diseases and regeneration. To address this issue, we investigated factors or signaling pathways involved in the first cell‐cycle entry of RPE cells upon retinal injury using a newt retina‐less eye‐cup culture system in which the cells around the wound edge of the RPE exclusively enter the cell cycle. We found that MEK–ERK signaling is necessary for their cell‐cycle entry, and signaling pathways whose activities can be modulated by heparin, such as Wnt‐, Shh‐, and thrombin‐mediated pathways, are capable of regulating the cell‐cycle entry. Furthermore, we found that the cells inside the RPE have low proliferation competence even in the presence of serum, suggesting inversely that a loss of cell‐to‐cell contact would allow the cells to enter the cell cycle.
In Vitro
Susceptibility Testing of Dientamoeba fragilis
Authors: Nagata N. , Marriott D. , Harkness J. , Ellis J. T. , Stark D. 
Published: October 2011

ABSTRACT

Dientamoeba fragilis
is a commonly encountered trichomonad which has been implicated as a cause of gastrointestinal disease in humans. Despite the frequency of reports recording infections with this parasite, little research has been undertaken in terms of antimicrobial susceptibility. The aim of this study was to evaluate the susceptibility of
D. fragilis
to several commonly used antiparasitic agents: diloxanide furoate, furazolidone, iodoquinol, metronidazole, nitazoxanide, ornidazole, paromomycin, secnidazole, ronidazole, tetracycline, and tinidazole. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed on four clinical strains of
D. fragilis
, designated A, E, M, and V, respectively. Molecular testing followed, and all strains were determined to be genotype 1. The activities of antiprotozoal compounds at concentrations ranging from 2 μg/ml to 500 μg/ml were determined via cell counts of
D. fragilis
trophozoites grown in dixenic culture. Minimum lethal concentrations (MLCs) were as follows: ornidazole, 8 to 16 μg/ml; ronidazole, 8 to 16 μg/ml; tinidazole, 31 μg/ml; metronidazole, 31 μg/ml; secnidazole, 31 to 63 μg/ml; nitazoxanide, 63 μg/ml; tetracycline, 250 μg/ml; furazolidone, 250 to 500 μg/ml; iodoquinol, 500 μg/ml; paromomycin, 500 μg/ml; and diloxanide furoate, >500 μg/ml. This is the first study to report the profiles of susceptibility to a wide range of commonly used treatments for clinical isolates of
D. fragilis
. Our study indicated 5-nitroimidazole derivatives to be the most active compounds
in vitro
against
D. fragilis
.
Calcium signals in the nucleus accumbens: Activation of astrocytes by ATP and succinate
Authors: Molnár Tünde , Dobolyi Árpád , Nyitrai Gabriella , Barabás Péter , Héja László , Emri Zsuzsa , Palkovits Miklós , Kardos Julianna 
Published: October 2011

Abstract

Background
Accumulating evidence suggests that glial signalling is activated by different brain functions. However, knowledge regarding molecular mechanisms of activation or their relation to neuronal activity is limited. The purpose of the present study is to identify the characteristics of ATP-evoked glial signalling in the brain reward area, the nucleus accumbens (NAc), and thereby to explore the action of citric acid cycle intermediate succinate (SUC).

Results
We described the burst-like propagation of Ca2+ transients evoked by ATP in acute NAc slices from rat brain. Co-localization of the ATP-evoked Ca2+ signalling with immunoreactivities of the astroglia-specific gap junction forming channel protein connexin43 (Cx43) and the glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) indicated that the responsive cells were a subpopulation of Cx43 and GFAP immunoreactive astrocytes. The ATP-evoked Ca2+ transients were present under the blockade of neuronal activity, but were inhibited by Ca2+ store depletion and antagonism of the G protein coupled purinergic P2Y1 receptor subtype-specific antagonist MRS2179. Similarly, Ca2+ transients evoked by the P2Y1 receptor subtype-specific agonist 2-(Methylthio)adenosine 5'-diphosphate were also blocked by MRS2179. These characteristics implied that intercellular Ca2+ signalling originated from the release of Ca2+ from internal stores, triggered by the activation of P2Y1 receptors. Inhibition by the gap junction blockers carbenoxolone and flufenamic acid and by an antibody raised against the gating-associated segment of Cx43 suggested that intercellular Ca2+ signalling proceeded through gap junctions. We demonstrated for the first time that extracellular SUC also evoked Ca2+ transients (EC50 = 50-60 μM) in about 15% of the ATP-responsive NAc astrocytes. By contrast to glial cells, electrophysiologically identified NAc neurons surrounded by ATP-responsive astrocytes were not activated simultaneously.

Conclusions
We concluded, therefore, that ATP- and SUC-sensitive Ca2+ transients appear to represent a signalling layer independent of NAc neurons. This previously unrecognised glial action of SUC, a major cellular energy metabolite, may play a role in linking metabolism to Ca2+ signalling in astrocytic networks under physiological and pathological conditions such as exercise and metabolic diseases.
The evidence for Shiatsu: a systematic review of Shiatsu and acupressure
Authors: Robinson Nicola , Lorenc Ava , Liao Xing 
Published: October 2011

AbstractBackgroundShiatsu, similar to acupressure, uses finger pressure, manipulations and stretches, along Traditional Chinese Medicine meridians. Shiatsu is popular in Europe, but lacks reviews on its evidence-base.MethodsAcupressure and Shiatsu clinical trials were identified using the MeSH term 'acupressure' in: EBM reviews; AMED; BNI; CINAHL; EMBASE; MEDLINE; PsycARTICLES; Science Direct; Blackwell Synergy; Ingenta Select; Wiley Interscience; Index to Theses and ZETOC. References of articles were checked. Inclusion criteria were Shiatsu or acupressure administered manually/bodily, published after January 1990. Two reviewers performed independent study selection and evaluation of study design and reporting, using standardised checklists (CONSORT, TREND, CASP and STRICTA).ResultsSearches identified 1714 publications. Final inclusions were 9 Shiatsu and 71 acupressure studies. A quarter were graded A (highest quality). Shiatsu studies comprised 1 RCT, three controlled non-randomised, one within-subjects, one observational and 3 uncontrolled studies investigating mental and physical health issues. Evidence was of insufficient quantity and quality. Acupressure studies included 2 meta-analyses, 6 systematic reviews and 39 RCTs. Strongest evidence was for pain (particularly dysmenorrhoea, lower back and labour), post-operative nausea and vomiting. Additionally quality evidence found improvements in sleep in institutionalised elderly. Variable/poor quality evidence existed for renal disease symptoms, dementia, stress, anxiety and respiratory conditions. Appraisal tools may be inappropriate for some study designs. Potential biases included focus on UK/USA databases, limited grey literature, and exclusion of qualitative and pre-1989 studies.ConclusionsEvidence is improving in quantity, quality and reporting, but more research is needed, particularly for Shiatsu, where evidence is poor. Acupressure may be beneficial for pain, nausea and vomiting and sleep.
Identification, characterization and antigenicity of the Plasmodium vivax rhoptry neck protein 1 (Pv RON1)
Authors: Moreno-Perez Darwin A , Montenegro Marjorie , Patarroyo Manuel E , Patarroyo Manuel A 
Published: October 2011

Abstract

Background

Plasmodium vivax malaria remains a major health problem in tropical and sub-tropical regions worldwide. Several rhoptry proteins which are important for interaction with and/or invasion of red blood cells, such as Pf RONs, Pf 92, Pf 38, Pf 12 and Pf 34, have been described during the last few years and are being considered as potential anti-malarial vaccine candidates. This study describes the identification and characterization of the P. vivax rhoptry neck protein 1 (Pv RON1) and examine its antigenicity in natural P. vivax infections.

Methods
The Pv RON1 encoding gene, which is homologous to that encoding the P. falciparum apical sushi protein (ASP) according to the plasmoDB database, was selected as our study target. The pvron1 gene transcription was evaluated by RT-PCR using RNA obtained from the P. vivax VCG-1 strain. Two peptides derived from the deduced P. vivax Sal-I Pv RON1 sequence were synthesized and inoculated in rabbits for obtaining anti-Pv RON1 antibodies which were used to confirm the protein expression in VCG-1 strain schizonts along with its association with detergent-resistant microdomains (DRMs) by Western blot, and its localization by immunofluorescence assays. The antigenicity of the Pv RON1 protein was assessed using human sera from individuals previously exposed to P. vivax malaria by ELISA.

Results
In the P. vivax VCG-1 strain, RON1 is a 764 amino acid-long protein. In silico analysis has revealed that Pv RON1 shares essential characteristics with different antigens involved in invasion, such as the presence of a secretory signal, a GPI-anchor sequence and a putative sushi domain. The Pv RON1 protein is expressed in parasite's schizont stage, localized in rhoptry necks and it is associated with DRMs. Recombinant protein recognition by human sera indicates that this antigen can trigger an immune response during a natural infection with P. vivax.

Conclusions
This study shows the identification and characterization of the P. vivax rhoptry neck protein 1 in the VCG-1 strain. Taking into account that Pv RON1 shares several important characteristics with other Plasmodium antigens that play a functional role during RBC invasion and, as shown here, it is antigenic, it could be considered as a good vaccine candidate. Further studies aimed at assessing its immunogenicity and protection-inducing ability in the Aotus monkey model are thus recommended.
Improvement for detection of microcalcifications through clustering algorithms and artificial neural networks
Authors: Quintanilla-Domínguez Joel , Ojeda-Magaña Benjamín , Marcano-Cedeño Alexis , Cortina-Januchs María G , Vega-Corona Antonio , Andina Diego 
Published: October 2011

Abstract
A new method for detecting microcalcifications in regions of interest (ROIs) extracted from digitized mammograms is proposed. The top-hat transform is a technique based on mathematical morphology operations and, in this paper, is used to perform contrast enhancement of the mi-crocalcifications. To improve microcalcification detection, a novel image sub-segmentation approach based on the possibilistic fuzzy c-means algorithm is used. From the original ROIs, window-based features, such as the mean and standard deviation, were extracted; these features were used as an input vector in a classifier. The classifier is based on an artificial neural network to identify patterns belonging to microcalcifications and healthy tissue. Our results show that the proposed method is a good alternative for automatically detecting microcalcifications, because this stage is an important part of early breast cancer detection.