bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Early Hospital Readmission of Nursing Home Residents and Community‐Dwelling Elderly Adults Discharged from the Geriatrics Service of an Urban Teaching Hospital: Patterns and Risk Factors
Authors: Bogaisky Michael , Dezieck Laurel
Published: March 2015

Objectives

To compare rates and risk factors for early hospital readmission for nursing home residents and community‐dwelling older adults.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Geriatric inpatient service at a large urban hospital.

Participants

Nursing home residents (n = 625) and community‐dwelling individuals (n = 413) aged 65 and older admitted over a 1‐year period.

Measurements

Thirty‐day readmissions.

Results

There were 1,706 hospital admissions within the 1‐year study period involving 1,038 individuals. The 30‐day readmission rate was higher for subjects discharged to a nursing home than those discharged to the community (34.4% vs 22.6%, P < .001). Chronic kidney disease and pressure ulcers were associated with greater risk of readmission in both groups. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease was a risk factor for readmission only in community‐dwelling individuals. Congestive heart failure and dementia were associated with greater risk of readmission only in nursing home residents. Readmission rates varied between individual nursing homes by more than a factor of 2. Risk of readmission was 30% lower in nursing home residents cared for by hospitalist than nonhospitalist geriatricians.

Conclusion

Higher rates of hospital readmission for individuals discharged to nursing homes than to the community and differing patterns of risk factors for readmission indicate the importance of customized interventions to reduce readmission rates for two distinct elderly populations.
The intracellular domain of L1CAM binds to casein kinase 2α and is neuroprotective via inhibition of the tumor suppressors PTEN and p53
Authors: Wang Yan , Schachner Melitta
Published: March 2015

Cell adhesion molecule L1 promotes neuritogenesis and neuronal survival through triggering MAPK pathways. Based on the findings that L1 is associated with casein kinase 2 (CK2), and that deficiency in PTEN promotes neuritogenesis in vitro and regeneration after trauma, we examined the functional relationship between L1 and PTEN. In parallel, we investigated the tumor suppressor p53, which also regulates neuritogenesis. Here, we report that the intracellular domain of L1 binds to the subunit CK2α, and that knockdown of L1 leads to CK2 dephosphorylation and an increase in PTEN and p53 levels. Overexpression of L1, but not the L1 mutants L1 (S1181N, E1184V), which reduced binding between L1 and CK2, reduced expression levels of PTEN and p53 proteins, and enhanced levels of phosphorylated CK2α and mammalian target of rapamycin, which is a downstream effector of PTEN and p53. Treatment of neurons with a CK2 inhibitor or transfection with CK2α siRNA increased levels of PTEN and p53, and inhibited neuritogenesis. The combined observations indicate that L1 downregulates expression of PTEN and p53 via direct binding to CK2α. We suggest that L1 stimulates neuritogenesis by activating CK2α leading to decreased levels of PTEN and p53 via a novel, L1‐triggered and CK2α‐mediated signal transduction pathway.

image

L1CAM (L1 cell adhesion molecule) is implicated in neural functions through the cognate src/MAP kinase signaling pathway. We now describe a novel signaling platform operating via the alpha subunit of casein kinase 2 which binds to the intracellular domain of L1. Knockdown of L1CAM leads to increased levels of tumor suppressor PTEN (phosphatase and tensin homolog) and p53, known to inhibit neuritogenesis in vitro and recovery from trauma in vivo. By activating this enzyme, L1CAM adds to its beneficial functions by decreasing the levels of PTEN and p53.
Validity and reliability of the T‐Scan®III for measuring force under laboratory conditions
Authors: Cerna M. , Ferreira R. , Zaror C. , Navarro P. , Sandoval P.
Published: March 2015

Although measuring bite force is an important indicator of the health of the masticatory system, few commercially available transducers have been validated for routine clinical use. T‐Scan®III Occlusal Analysis System allows to record the bite force distribution, indicating its relative intensity and occlusal timing. Nevertheless, even fewer studies have evaluated the validity and reliability of the latest generation of the T‐Scan® occlusal analysis system. To determine the validity and reliability of the T‐Scan®III system when measuring total absolute bite force under laboratory conditions. Known forces were applied to 18 T‐Scan®III sensors, which were classified into two groups differentiated by their production series. Both Lin's concordance correlation coefficient (CCC) and the intra‐class correlation coefficient (ICC) were used to assess the system's reliability and validity. Considering all the sensors studied, a substantial level (Lin's CCC 0·969) and a very good level of reliability (CCI 0·994) were obtained. When evaluating the validity of the system, a poor (Lin's CCC 0·530) and moderate (ICC 0·693) agreement were also obtained. The main factor that negatively influenced the validity of the T‐Scan®III under these study conditions was the significant difference in the behaviour of the two sensor groups. The T‐Scan®III showed a high degree of reliability when used to perform consecutive measurements. However, the system showed an insufficient degree of validity for measuring absolute force when estimating total occlusal force under laboratory conditions.
A worldwide phylogenetic classification of the Poaceae (Gramineae)
Authors: SORENG Robert J. , PETERSON Paul M. , ROMASCHENKO Konstantin , DAVIDSE Gerrit , ZULOAGA Fernando O. , JUDZIEWICZ Emmet J. , FILGUEIRAS Tarciso S. , DAVIS Jerrold I. , MORRONE Osvaldo
Published: March 2015

Based on recent molecular and morphological studies we present a modern worldwide phylogenetic classification of the ± 12074 grasses and place the 771 grass genera into 12 subfamilies (Anomochlooideae, Aristidoideae, Arundinoideae, Bambusoideae, Chloridoideae, Danthonioideae, Micraioideae, Oryzoideae, Panicoideae, Pharoideae, Puelioideae, and Pooideae), 6 supertribes (Andropogonodae, Arundinarodae, Bambusodae, Panicodae, Poodae, Triticodae), 51 tribes (Ampelodesmeae, Andropogoneae, Anomochloeae, Aristideae, Arundinarieae, Arundineae, Arundinelleae, Atractocarpeae, Bambuseae, Brachyelytreae, Brachypodieae, Bromeae, Brylkinieae, Centotheceae, Centropodieae, Chasmanthieae, Cynodonteae, Cyperochloeae, Danthonieae, Diarrheneae, Ehrharteae, Eragrostideae, Eriachneae, Guaduellieae, Gynerieae, Hubbardieae, Isachneae, Littledaleeae, Lygeeae, Meliceae, Micraireae, Molinieae, Nardeae, Olyreae, Oryzeae, Paniceae, Paspaleae, Phaenospermateae, Phareae, Phyllorachideae, Poeae, Steyermarkochloeae, Stipeae, Streptochaeteae, Streptogyneae, Thysanolaeneae, Triraphideae, Tristachyideae, Triticeae, Zeugiteae, and Zoysieae), and 80 subtribes (Aeluropodinae, Agrostidinae, Airinae, Ammochloinae, Andropogoninae, Anthephorinae, Anthistiriinae, Anthoxanthinae, Arthraxoninae, Arthropogoninae, Arthrostylidiinae, Arundinariinae, Aveninae, Bambusinae, Boivinellinae, Boutelouinae, Brizinae, Buergersiochloinae, Calothecinae, Cenchrinae, Chionachninae, Chusqueinae, Coicinae, Coleanthinae, Cotteinae, Cteniinae, Cynosurinae, Dactylidinae, Dichantheliinae, Dimeriinae, Duthieinae, Eleusininae, Eragrostidinae, Farragininae, Germainiinae, Gouiniinae, Guaduinae, Gymnopogoninae, Hickeliinae, Hilariinae, Holcinae, Hordeinae, Ischaeminae, Loliinae, Melinidinae, Melocanninae, Miliinae, Monanthochloinae, Muhlenbergiinae, Neurachninae, Olyrinae, Orcuttiinae, Oryzinae, Otachyriinae, Panicinae, Pappophorinae, Parapholiinae, Parianinae, Paspalinae, Perotidinae, Phalaridinae, Poinae, Racemobambosinae, Rottboelliinae, Saccharinae, Scleropogoninae, Scolochloinae, Sesleriinae, Sorghinae, Sporobolinae, Torreyochloinae, Traginae, Trichoneurinae, Triodiinae, Tripogoninae, Tripsacinae, Triticinae, Unioliinae, Zizaniinae, and Zoysiinae). In addition, we include a radial tree illustrating the hierarchical relationships among the subtribes, tribes, and subfamilies. We use the subfamilial name, Oryzoideae, over Ehrhartoideae because the latter was initially published as a misplaced rank, and we circumscribe Molinieae to include 13 Arundinoideae genera. The subtribe Calothecinae is newly described and the tribe Littledaleeae is new at that rank.
Long‐term vegetation stability and the concept of potential natural vegetation in the Neotropics
Authors: Rull Valentí
Published: March 2015

When vegetation trends over time are analysed from an appropriate long‐term perspective using palaeoecological records, the concept of potential natural vegetation (PNV) is unsupported because of continual vegetation changes driven by natural or anthropic forcings. However, some palaeoecological records show long‐lasting (i.e. millennial) vegetation stability at multidecadal to centennial time scales in the absence of natural and human drivers of change, which fits within the definition of PNV. A more detailed palaeoecological analysis of these records shows that they are an exception rather than a rule, and that they cannot be differentiated from other transient ecological states. Therefore, long records of vegetation stability cannot be considered to be valid evidence for PNV. From a palaeoecological perspective, the PNV concept is concluded to be unnecessary, even in cases of multidecadal to centennial vegetation stability in the absence of environmental disturbance.
Responses of two contrasting saline‐alkaline grassland communities to nitrogen addition during early secondary succession
Authors: Bai Zhenjian , Gao Ying , Xing Fu , Sun Shengnan , Jiao Deyu , Wei Xiuhong , Mu Chunsheng
Published: March 2015

Question

(1) How do secondary successional dynamics differ in high and low saline‐alkaline grassland communities in semi‐arid lands; and (2) does nitrogen (N) enrichment promote plant secondary succession towards a perennial community under saline‐alkaline stress?

Location

Saline‐alkaline grassland in northeast China.

Methods

We selected two early successional communities differing in soil saline‐alkaline stress and floristic composition: one ‘high‐stress community’ co‐dominated by the annual grass Chloris virgata and the annual forbs Artemisia scoparia and Kochia sieversiana, and one ‘low‐stress community’ dominated by the annual forb K. sieversiana. A complete randomized design experiment with five N addition levels was conducted in triplicate for four consecutive years (2008–2011). The vegetation variables (above‐ground biomass of individual species, functional group, community level, community species richness) and soil characteristics (pH, electrical conductivity as a proxy for salinity) were investigated every year. Detrended correspondence analysis (DCA) was used to evaluate the successional trajectories.

Results

DCA revealed clear differences in species composition and successional trajectories between the two communities. There were few changes in the species composition of the high‐stress community, with annual species dominating all the plots over the 4 yr. However, most of the low‐stress communities developed from the annual‐dominated stage to the perennial‐dominated stage. N addition had no effect on the relative biomass of the perennial functional group in the two communities. Thus, N addition did not obviously promote plant succession towards a perennial community, even under low saline‐alkaline stress. Species richness did not respond to N addition in the high‐stress community, whereas species richness declined across the N addition gradient in the low‐stress community.

Conclusion

Our results provided direct empirical evidence that high saline‐alkaline stress limits plant community succession, and low saline‐alkaline stress communities exhibit a succession direction from the annual‐dominated stage to the perennial‐dominated stage. Interestingly, replicates within the same treatment under low‐stress conditions did not develop towards a similar community composition, indicating the importance of environment heterogeneity at a small spatial scale. N addition did not promote the expected perennial plant succession; however, N enrichment reduced plant diversity and enhanced above‐ground biomass, suggesting that artificial N addition (e.g. N deposition) may have an important effect in our system.
Impact of Fetal Growth and Preterm Birth on the Retinal Microvasculature in Mid‐Adulthood
Authors: Hussain Sultana Monira , Kähönen Mika , Raitakari Olli T. , Skilton Michael R. , Witt Nicholas , Chaturvedi Nish , Hutri‐Kähönen Nina , Lehtimäki Terho , Vaahtoranta‐Lehtonen Hanna , Juonala Markus , Wijetunge Sumangali , Hughes Alun D. , McG Thom Simon A. , Metha Andrew , Tapp Robyn J.
Published: March 2015

Objective

We hypothesized that preterm birth and being born SGA would be associated with changes in retinal microvascular architecture and that these changes would be more marked among those born preterm. We further hypothesized that these microvascular changes would correlate with early markers of CVD in mid‐adulthood.

Methods

The Cardiovascular Risk in Young Finns Study included randomly selected children from 5 Finnish University cities. Retinal microvascular architecture of participants born preterm, born at term and SGA and a control group born at term and AGA were compared (aged 34–49 years).

Results

In participants born preterm, arteriolar tortuosity (×102) was higher—means (standard error), 0.06 (0.01) versus 0.04 (0.01), p = 0.001, arteriolar length (pixels) were greater—644.9 (35.9) versus 591.7 (33.5), p = 0.007 and arteriolar diameters (pixels) were narrower—19.9 (0.4) versus 20.3 (0.3), p = 0.034 compared to participants born AGA, after adjustment. In participants born SGA, only arteriolar tortuosity was higher—0.05 (0.01) versus 0.04 (0.01), p = 0.074 compared to participants born AGA.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that being born SGA and in particular preterm birth are associated with changes in retinal microvascular architecture. The prenatal and immediate postnatal environment may contribute to the mechanisms.
Genome‐wide identification of target genes of a mating‐type α‐domain transcription factor reveals functions beyond sexual development
Authors: Becker Kordula , Beer Christina , Freitag Michael , Kück Ulrich
Published: March 2015

Penicillium chrysogenum is the main industrial producer of the β‐lactam antibiotic penicillin, the most commonly used drug in the treatment of bacterial infections. Recently, a functional MAT1‐1 locus encoding the α‐box transcription factor MAT1‐1‐1 was discovered to control sexual development in P. chrysogenum. As only little was known from any organism about the regulatory functions mediated by MAT1‐1‐1, we applied chromatin immunoprecipitation combined with next‐generation sequencing (ChIP‐seq) to gain new insights into the factors that influence MAT1‐1‐1 functions on a molecular level and its role in genome‐wide transcriptional regulatory networks. Most importantly, our data provide evidence for mating‐type transcription factor functions that reach far beyond their previously understood role in sexual development. These new roles include regulation of hyphal morphology, asexual development, as well as amino acid, iron, and secondary metabolism. Furthermore, in vitro DNA–protein binding studies and downstream analysis in yeast and P. chrysogenum enabled the identification of a MAT1‐1‐1 DNA‐binding motif, which is highly conserved among euascomycetes. Our studies pave the way to a more general understanding of these master switches for development and metabolism in all fungi, and open up new options for optimization of fungal high production strains.
Twelve‐Note Music as Music: an Essay in Two Parts
Authors: Earle Ben
Published: March 2015

Analysts of twelve‐note music tend to treat this repertoire as if it were composed of numbers rather than notes. The first part of this article asks how they might treat this music as if it were music. A theoretical position is developed via close readings of the work a number of theorists and philosophers, notablyRogerScruton andTheodorW.Adorno. InPartII, the potential of the position developed inPartIis tested in a review of three books on twelve‐note music by Nikos Skalkottas andLuigiDallapiccola.
Cultural safety, diversity and the servicer user and carer movement in mental health research
Authors: Cox Leonie G. , Simpson Alan
Published: March 2015

This study will be of interest to anyone concerned with a critical appraisal of mental health service users’ and carers’ participation in research collaboration and with the potential of the postcolonial paradigm of cultural safety to contribute to the service user research (SUR) movement. The history and nature of the mental health field and its relationship to colonial processes provokes a consideration of whether cultural safety could focus attention on diversity, power imbalance, cultural dominance and structural inequality, identified as barriers and tensions in SUR. We consider these issues in the context of state‐driven approaches towards SUR in planning and evaluation and the concurrent rise of the SUR movement in the UK and Australia, societies with an intimate involvement in processes of colonisation. We consider the principles and motivations underlying cultural safety and SUR in the context of the policy agenda informing SUR. We conclude that while both cultural safety and SUR are underpinned by social constructionism constituting similarities in principles and intent, cultural safety has additional dimensions. Hence, we call on researchers to use the explicitly political and self‐reflective process of cultural safety to think about and address issues of diversity, power and social justice in research collaboration.
Application of Antidromic Conduction Monitoring in Ganglion Radiofrequency Thermocoagulation for Locating Trigeminal Branches in Trigeminal Neuralgia
Authors: Li Xiuhua , Yue Jianning , Yang Liqiang , Yang Huijie , Zheng Shuyue , He Liangliang , Ni Jiaxiang
Published: March 2015

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate whether antidromic conduction monitoring (ACM) can be utilized to map the trigeminal system under sedation as a potential substitute for subjective paresthesia description (SPD) during percutaneous ganglion radiofrequency thermocoagulation (PGRT).

Methods

Eighty‐two patients with 152 pain divisions of trigeminal neuralgia (TN) were treated by computed tomography (CT)‐guided PGRT. After the puncture needle entered the foramen ovale (FO), sensory and motor stimulation were applied to locate the pain division. And the corresponding voltage values were recorded by patients’ SPD. In the following, the proper location was certified by ACM. The corresponding earliest waves and voltage values in the identified trigeminal branch were also recorded to outline a comparison between two methods.

Results

The correlation of ACM and patients’ SPD with voltage at ≤ 0.5 V was statistically significant (P < 0.05, r = 0.159; Spearman's rank correlation analysis). Although ACM and SPD showed weak correlation, as their interclass correlation coefficient was significant (F = 1.868, P < 0.01) with coefficient of internal consistency. Moreover, the two methods had consistency. Kruskal–Wallis test showed that ophthalmic (V1), maxillary (V2), and mandibular (V3) divisions had significant differences for test sensitivity (H = 15.945, P < 0.01). For comparison of sensitivities with ACM, V3 was most sensitive followed by V2 and then V1.

Conclusion

ACM could potentially substitute for SPD of the paresthesias intra‐operatively, enabling greater specificity and eliminating the need to interrupt the administration of anesthetic. These improvements would increase patient satisfaction and practitioner efficiency and accuracy.
Gradual tapering of desmopressin leads to better outcome in nocturnal enuresis
Authors: Ohtomo Yoshiyuki , Umino Daisuke , Takada Masaru , Fujinaga Shuichiro , Niijima Shinichi , Shimizu Toshiaki
Published: March 2015

Background

Although desmopressin therapy is effective in treating polyuric monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis (MNE), the relatively high rates of recurrence are problematic. To date, the treatment protocol on the discontinuation of oral desmopressin melt (ODM) tablet, MinirinMelt, has not been established. We tested two protocols of tapering ODM when the patients achieved full response on ODM, and compared the treatment outcomes.

Methods

One hundred and fifty‐seven polyuric MNE children were newly treated with ODM at the authors' outpatient clinics (Juntendo Nerima Hospital and Musashi‐Murayama Hospital). When the patients did not respond to the 8 week ODM therapy, we added another options such as alarm, anti‐cholinergics, and imipramine (92 patients; 58.6%). Sixty‐five patients (41.4%) achieved full response on ODM alone, and 49 of them accepted gradual tapering of ODM: group B (n = 25), 240 μg ODM per day → 120 μg ODM per day → 120 μg ODM per alternate day → cessation; and group C (n = 24), 240 μg ODM per day → 120 μg ODM per day → 60 μg ODM per day → 60 μg ODM per alternate day → cessation.

Results

Fourteen patients in group B (56%) and four in group C (17%) had relapses of enuresis after the discontinuation of ODM (P = 0.026).

Conclusions

Gradual tapering of ODM therapy in MNE patients leads to better outcome.
G‐cell hyperplasia of the stomach induces ECL‐cell proliferation in the pyloric glands in a paracrinal manner
Authors: Kasajima Atsuko , Fujishima Fumiyoshi , Morikawa Takanori , Kawasaki Shuhei , Konosu‐Fukaya Sachiko , Shibahara Yukiko , Nakamura Tadaho , Yoshikawa Takeo , Iijima Katsunori , Koike Tomoyuki , Watanabe Mika , Shibata Chikashi , Sasano Hironobu
Published: March 2015

An inhibitory mechanism toward gastrin hypersecretion is significantly different between G‐cell hyperplasia and gastrinoma despite the common clinical manifestations; hypergastrinemia and its related persistent gastric ulcers. We recenlty studied the G‐cell, d‐cell and ECL‐cell density in a case of G‐cell hyperplasia. The 70‐year‐old patient has been treated for persistent gastric ulcers with a markedly increased plasma gastrin (5600 pg/mL). The stomach was surgically resected because of the obstruction associated with ulcer scars. The number of G‐cells in the pyloric glands was quantified on the surgical specimens and G‐cell hyperplasia was histolopathologically identified. Immunostainig of histidine decarboxylate revealed the presence of ECL‐cell hyperplasia in the pyloric glands and its density was significantly and positively correlated with G‐cell density. Somatostatin immunoreactive cells (d‐cells) increased in their number in the oxyntic glands. These results all indicated that hypersecretion of gastrin in G‐cell hyperplasia could induce ECL‐cell proliferation in a paracrinal manner. In addition, relatively non‐prominent endocrinological features in the G‐cell hyperplasia compared to gastrinoma could be also related to the paracrinal somatostatin inhibitory effects upon ECL‐cells in the pyloric glands.
States of Environmental Justice: Redistributive Politics across the United States, 1993–2004
Authors: Abel Troy D. , Salazar Debra J. , Robert Patricia
Published: March 2015

In the 20 years since a president committed federal government agencies to achieving environmental justice (EJ), states have been at the forefront of policy development. But states have varied in the nature and extent of their EJ efforts. We use Guttman Scaling to measure state EJ effort and test hypotheses regarding the relative importance of problem severity, politics, and administrative variables to variation in state policy development. Our analysis offers a novel characterization of state policy intensity and demonstrates its scalability. Income‐based problem severity, environmental group membership, and nonwhite populations were important predictors of state EJ policy intensity during our study period. The political geography of EJ policy also displayed a distinctive southern pattern and the EJ policy intensity model contrasted significantly with a model of environmental policy innovation. The findings suggest that state EJ politics are more indicative of redistributive policy than regulatory.
Who's Afraid ofWikiLeaks? Missed Opportunities in Political Science Research
Authors: Michael Gabriel J.
Published: March 2015

Leaked information, such as WikiLeaks’ Cablegate, constitutes a unique and valuable data source for researchers interested in a wide variety of policy‐oriented topics. Yet political scientists have avoided using leaked information in their research. This article argues that we can and should use leaked information as a data source in scholarly research. First, the methodological, ethical, and legal challenges related to the use of leaked information in research have been considered, concluding that none of these present serious obstacles. Second, how political scientists can use leaked information to generate novel and unique insights concerning political phenomena using a variety of quantitative and qualitative methods have been shown. Specifically, how leaked documents reveal important details concerning the Trans‐Pacific Partnership negotiations, and how leaked diplomatic cables highlight a significant disparity between the U.S. government's public attitude toward traditional knowledge and its private behavior have been demonstrated.
Induction of Local Secretory IgA and Multifunctional CD4+ T‐helper Cells Following Intranasal Immunization with a H5N1 Whole Inactivated Influenza Virus Vaccine in BALB/c Mice
Authors: Trondsen M. , Aqrawi L. A. , Zhou F. , Pedersen G. , Trieu M. C. , Zhou P. , Cox R. J.
Published: March 2015

Avian influenza subunit vaccines have been shown to be poorly immunogenic, leading to the re‐evaluation of the immunogenic and dose‐sparing potential of whole virus vaccines. In this study, we investigated the immune responses after one or two doses of intramuscular or intranasal whole inactivated influenza H5N1 virus vaccine in BALB/c mice. Serum samples and nasal washings were collected weekly post‐vaccination and analysed using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Sera were also analysed by the haemagglutination inhibition (HI) assay. Antibody‐secreting cells were measured in lymphocytes from spleen and bone marrow via enzyme‐linked immunospot (ELISPOT). Splenocytes were stimulated in vitro, and T‐helper profiles were measured through multiplex bead assay in the supernatants, or intracellularly by multiparametric flow cytometry. Both vaccine routes induced high HI titres following the second immunization (intramuscular = 370, intranasal = 230). Moreover, the intramuscular group showed significantly higher levels of serum IgG (P < 0.01), IgG1 (P < 0.01) and IgG2a (P < 0.01) following the second vaccine dose, while the intranasal group exhibited significantly higher levels of serum IgA (P < 0.05) and local IgA (P < 0.01) in the nasal washings. Also, IgA antibody‐secreting cells were found in significantly higher numbers in the intranasal group in both the spleen (P < 0.01) and the bone marrow (P < 0.01). Moreover, Th1 (TNF‐α, IL‐2, IFN‐γ) and Th2 (IL‐4, IL‐5, IL‐10) cytokines were expressed by both groups, yet only the intranasal group expressed the Th17 marker IL‐17. As the intranasal vaccines induce local IgA and are easily administered, we suggest the intranasally administered whole virus vaccine as a promising candidate for a pandemic H5N1 vaccine.
Singularity inBeauvoir'sThe Ethics of Ambiguity
Authors: Parker Emily Anne
Published: March 2015

Though it has gone unnoticed so far inBeauvoir Studies, the term “singularity” is a technical one forSimone deBeauvoir. In the first half of the essay I discuss two reasons why this term has been obscured. First, as is well knownBeauvoir has not been read in the context of the history of philosophy until recently. Second, inThe Ethics of Ambiguityat least,singularitéis translated both inconsistently and quite misleadingly. In the second half of the essay I attempt to demonstrate the importance of this term inThe Ethics. The will to disclose being is the will to disclose the singularity of the other, whether human, land, sky or painting. Ambiguity, whichBeauvoir distinguishes from absurdity in Camus, is an image suggesting this necessarily mutual disclosure of singularity.
Élan VitalRevisited:Bergson and the Thermodynamic Paradigm
Authors: DiFrisco James
Published: March 2015

The received view ofBergson's philosophy of life is that it advances some form of vitalism under the heading of an “élan vital.” This paper argues against the vitalistic interpretation ofBergson'sélan vitalas it appears inCreativeEvolution (1907) in favor of an interpretation based on his overlooked reflections on entropy and energetics. Within the interpretation developed here, theélan vitalis characterized not as a spiritualistic “vital force” but as a tendency of organization opposed to the tendency of entropic degradation. It is then shown howBergson's view of evolution and living organization resonates with more contemporary scientific approaches belonging to a “thermodynamic paradigm” in theoretical biology in different respects, including the critique of neo‐Darwinism and the positing of a driving force behind evolution. Finally, the special interest thatBergson's philosophical biology bears today is considered in terms of the connection between the concepts ofélan vitaland duration.
Walk the Walk but Don't Talk the Talk: The Strategic Use of Color‐Blind Ideology in an Interracial Social Movement Organization
Authors: Beeman Angie
Published: March 2015

In this study, I examine the strategies interracial organizations use in the twenty‐first century, where color‐blind ideology dominates. Much theoretical work on racism examines how it has evolved during different historical periods, but this work does not address how these changing forms of racism affect social movement organizations, particularly those on the left. While the literature on color‐blind ideology has examined how it is expressed by African Americans and European Americans separately, my work investigates how color‐blind ideology operates when European Americans and people of color are working together in the same organizational setting. Studies of social movements have examined how organizational culture affects strategies but have neglected how external racist culture and color‐blind ideology impacts organizational strategies. Findings from 3 years of ethnographic data collected on an interracial social movement organization and its corresponding coalition suggest that activists in interracial organizations use racism evasiveness strategically to maintain solidarity. I conceptualize racism evasiveness as the action resulting from color‐blind ideology within a larger system of racism. While activists perceive advantages to these strategies, there are also long‐term negative consequences. Without explicitly naming and addressing racism, progressive organizations may be limited in their ability to challenge systemic racism.
The Longitudinal Interplay between Bullying, Victimization, and Social Status: Age‐related and Gender Differences
Authors: Sentse Miranda , Kretschmer Tina , Salmivalli Christina
Published: March 2015

The current study examined the longitudinal interplay between bullying, victimization, and social status (acceptance, rejection, and perceived popularity) over the course of 1 year. Cross‐lagged path models were estimated for two cohorts, covering grades 3–6 (N = 3904, M age = 11.2 years) and grades 7–9 (N = 4492, M age = 14.4 years). Comparisons between cohorts and by gender were conducted. The results of this study corroborate the complexity of the longitudinal interplay between bullying, victimization, and social status in showing that direction and strength of associations differ by type of peer status, age, and gender. Conclusions cannot be drawn without taking these differences into account. The findings are discussed according to these differences, and directions for future research are provided.
The relevance of intestinal dysbiosis in liver transplant candidates
Authors: Grąt M. , Hołówko W. , Wronka K.M. , Grąt K. , Lewandowski Z. , Kosińska I. , Krasnodębski M. , Wasilewicz M. , Gałęcka M. , Szachta P. , Zborowska H. , Patkowski W. , Krawczyk M.
Published: March 2015

Background

The gut microbial ecosystem plays an important role in the pathogenesis of liver diseases. However, the association of microbial community structure with the severity of liver dysfunction is not completely understood.

Methods

Fecal microflora was assessed in 40 patients with liver cirrhosis listed for primary liver transplantation (LT). Independent associations between fecal microbial counts and serum bilirubin, serum creatinine, international normalized ratio (INR), and the Model for End‐stage Liver Disease (MELD) score were established in multiple linear regression models.

Results

Bifidobacterium (standardized regression coefficient [sβ] = −0.549; P < 0.001), Enterococcus (sβ = 0.369; P = 0.004), and yeast (sβ = 0.315; P = 0.018) numbers were independently associated with serum bilirubin, while Escherichia coli counts (sβ = 0.318; P = 0.046) correlated with INR, and Bifidobacterium counts (sβ = 0.410; P = 0.009) with serum creatinine. Only Bifidobacterium (sβ = −0.468; P = 0.003) and Enterococcus (sβ = 0.331; P = 0.029) counts were independent predictors of the MELD score. Bifidobacterium/Enterococcus ratio, proposed as a measure of pre‐LT gut dysbiosis, was significantly related to the MELD score following the adjustment for the absolute Bifidobacterium (sβ = −0.333; P = 0.029) and Enterococcus (sβ = −0.966; P = 0.003) numbers. This pre‐transplant dysbiosis ratio (PTDR) was significantly correlated with Enterococcus (R = −0.897; P < 0.001) but not with Bifidobacterium (R = 0.098; P = 0.546) counts. Among the other components of gut microflora, only hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)‐producing Lactobacillus strains significantly influenced Enterococcus counts (sβ = 0.349; P = 0.028) and PTDR (sβ = −0.318; P = 0.046).

Conclusion

While the abundance of both Bifidobacterium and Enterococcus is related to liver dysfunction, the size of the Enterococcus population seems to be the most important determinant of pre‐LT gut dysbiosis in cirrhotic patients. The H2O2‐producing Lactobacillus strains potentially ameliorate this dysbiotic state.
Advances inGeometroidea phylogeny, with characterization of a new family based onPseudobiston pinratanai(Lepidoptera, Glossata)
Authors: Rajaei Hossein , Greve Carola , Letsch Harald , Stüning Dieter , Wahlberg Niklas , Minet Joël , Misof Bernhard
Published: March 2015

Since its discovery and description, the oriental mothPseudobiston pinratanaiInoue, 1994, could not be placed in any of the recognized families of Macroheterocera (Lepidoptera). Here, we used molecular and morphological data to infer the phylogenetic position of the species. These analyses indicate thatPseudobiston pinratanaiis closely related to Epicopeiidae. Our analyses of morphological characters further show thatPseudobiston pinratanai+Epicopeiidae share synapomorphies with Sematuridae, Uraniidae and Geometridae. These observations lead us to redefine the superfamily Geometroidea and discuss its internal phylogenetic relationships. The isolated position ofPseudobiston pinratanaiwithin Geometroidea supports a family status (Pseudobistonidaefam. n.) that we formally establish in this work.
Quantifying Normal Geometric Variation in Human Pulmonary Lobar Geometry From High Resolution Computed Tomography
Authors: Chan Ho-Fung , Clark Alys R. , Hoffman Eric A. , Malcolm Duane T. K. , Tawhai Merryn H.
Published: March 2015

Previous studies of the ex vivo lung have suggested significant intersubject variability in lung lobe geometry. A quantitative description of normal lung lobe shape would therefore have value in improving the discrimination between normal population variability in shape and pathology. To quantify normal human lobe shape variability, a principal component analysis (PCA) was performed on high resolution computed tomography (HRCT) imaging of the lung at full inspiration. Volumetric imaging from 22 never-smoking subjects (10 female and 12 male) with normal lung function was included in the analysis. For each subject, an initial finite element mesh geometry was generated from a group of manually selected nodes that were placed at distinct anatomical locations on the lung surface. Each mesh used cubic shape functions to describe the surface curvilinearity, and the mesh was fitted to surface data for each lobe. A PCA was performed on the surface meshes for each lobe. Nine principal components (PCs) were sufficient to capture >90% of the normal variation in each of the five lobes. The analysis shows that lobe size can explain between 20% and 50% of intersubject variability, depending on the lobe considered. Diaphragm shape was the next most significant intersubject difference. When the influence of lung size difference is removed, the angle of the fissures becomes the most significant shape difference, and the variability in relative lobe size becomes important. We also show how a lobe from an independent subject can be projected onto the study population’s PCs, demonstrating potential for abnormalities in lobar geometry to be defined in a quantitative manner.
Tool Geometries Optimization for Friction Stir Welding of AA6061-T6 Aluminum Alloy T-Joint Using Taguchi Method to Improve the Mechanical Behavior
Authors: Mustafa Faiz F. , Kadhym Ali H. , Yahya Hiba H.
Published: March 2015

The effect of friction stir welding (FSW) T-joints for 3 mm AA6061-T6 aluminum alloy plates on mechanical properties has been investigated in the current work by using the nine different tool shapes that were designed according to Taguchi orthogonal array (OA) without changing the process parameters (tool rotation speed, welding speed, tool tilt angle, plunge depth, and die radii). Four variable geometrical parameters (shoulder diameter (mm), pin diameter (mm), pin angle (α, deg), and groove pin shape) with three levels for each parameter have been used. The signal to noise (S/N) ratio technique was performed for analyzing results (ultimate tensile strength across the skins (UTSSkins) and ultimate tensile strength across the stringers (UTSStringers)) using the statistical software (minitabtm® 16) to establish the best optimum condition. The conformation test was also performed by fulfilling the welding process at the optimum condition to compare the theoretical and experimental results. In addition, the analysis of variance (ANOVA) technique was performed using the statistical software (design of experiments, doe pro xl) to identify the significant factors affecting on the (UTSSkins and UTSStringers).
Evaluation of Fracture Toughness Behavior of Polyethylene Pipe Materials1
Authors: EL-Bagory Tarek M. A. A. , Sallam Hossam E. M. , Younan Maher Y. A.
Published: March 2015

The main purpose of the present paper is to investigate the effect of crosshead speed, specimen thickness, and welding on the fracture toughness. The material of the investigated pipe is a high density polyethylene (HDPE), which is commonly used in natural gas piping systems. The welding technique used in this study is butt-fusion (BF) welding technique. The crosshead speed ranged from 5 to 500 mm/min and specimen thickness ranged from 9 to 45 mm for both welded and unwelded specimens at room temperature, Ta = 20 °C. Curved three point bend (CTPB) specimens were used to determine KQ. Furthermore, the results of fracture toughness, KQ, will be compared with the plane–strain fracture toughness, JIC, for welded and unwelded specimens. The experimental results revealed that KQ increases with increasing the crosshead speed, while KQ decreases as the specimen thickness increases. The investigation reveals that the apparent fracture toughness, KQ, for HDPE pipe of unwelded specimen is greater than that of corresponding value for welded specimen. The same trend was observed for the plane-strain fracture toughness, JIC. At lower crosshead speeds there is a minimum deviation in KQ between welded and unwelded specimens, while the deviation becomes larger with increasing crosshead speed.
An Experimental Determination of the Viscosity of Propylene Glycol/Water Based Nanofluids and Development of New Correlations
Authors: Vajjha Ravikanth S. , Das Debendra K. , Chukwu Godwin A.
Published: March 2015

Measurements have been carried out for determining the viscosity of several nanofluids, in which different nanoparticles were dispersed in a base fluid of 60% propylene glycol (PG) and 40% water by mass. The nanoparticles were aluminum oxide (Al2O3), copper oxide (CuO), silicon dioxide (SiO2), titanium oxide (TiO2), and zinc oxide (ZnO) with different average particle diameters. Measurements were conducted for particle volume concentrations of up to 6% and over a temperature range of 243 K–363 K. All the nanofluids exhibited a Bingham plastic behavior at lower temperatures of 243 K–273 K and a Newtonian behavior in the temperature range of 273 K–363 K. Comparisons of the experimental data with several existing models show that they do not exhibit good agreement. Therefore, a new model has been developed for the viscosity of nanofluids as a function of temperature, particle volume concentration, particle diameter, the properties of nanoparticles, and those of the base fluid. Measurements were also conducted for single walled, bamboolike structured, and hollow structured multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) dispersed in a base fluid of 20% PG and 80% water by mass. Measurements of these carbon nanotubes (CNT) nanofluids were conducted for a particle volume concentration of 0.229% and over a temperature range of 273 K–363 K, which exhibited a non-Newtonian behavior. The effect of ultrasonication time on the viscosity of CNT nanofluids was investigated. From the experimental data of CNT nanofluids, a new correlation was developed which relates the viscosity to temperature and the Péclet number.
Polyglycolic acid microneedles modified with inkjet-deposited antifungal coatings
Authors: Boehm Ryan D. , Daniels Justin , Stafslien Shane , Nasir Adnan , Lefebvre Joe , Narayan Roger J.
Published: March 2015

In this study, the authors examined use of piezoelectric inkjet printing to apply an antifungal agent, voriconazole, to the surfaces of biodegradable polyglycolic acid microneedles. Polyglycolic acid microneedles with sharp tips (average tip radius = 25 ± 3 μm) were prepared using a combination of injection molding and drawing lithography. The elastic modulus (9.9 ± 0.3 GPa) and hardness (588.2 ± 33.8 MPa) values of the polyglycolic acid material were determined using nanoindentation and were found to be suitable for use in transdermal drug delivery devices. Voriconazole was deposited onto the polyglycolic acid microneedles by means of piezoelectric inkjet printing. It should be noted that voriconazole has poor solubility in water; however, it is readily soluble in many organic solvents. Optical imaging, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive x-ray spectrometry, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy were utilized to examine the microneedle geometries and inkjet-deposited surface coatings. Furthermore, an in vitro agar plating study was performed on the unmodified, vehicle-modified, and voriconazole-modified microneedles. Unlike the unmodified and vehicle-modified microneedles, the voriconazole-modified microneedles showed antifungal activity against Candida albicans. The unmodified, vehicle-modified, and voriconazole-modified microneedles did not show activity against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, or Staphylococcus aureus. The results indicate that piezoelectric inkjet printing may be useful for loading transdermal drug delivery devices such as polyglycolic acid microneedles with antifungal pharmacologic agents and other pharmacologic agents with poor solubility in aqueous solutions.
The Effects of Self-Myofascial Release on Flexibility of the Lower Extremity: A Critically Appraised Topic
Authors: Feldbauer Christine M. , Smith Brittany A. , Van Lunen Bonnie
Published: March 2015

Clinical Question:

Does self-myofascial release improve lower extremity fexibility or range of motion in physically active individuals?

Clinical Bottom Line:

There is low-level evidence to support the use of self-my-ofascial release to increase range of motion and fexibility in the lower extremity.
Toward an Integrative Model of Doping Use: An Empirical Study With Adolescent Athletes
Authors: Lazuras Lambros , Barkoukis Vassilis , Tsorbatzoudis Haralambos
Published: March 2015

The present study assessed adolescent athletes’ intentions toward doping by using an integrative theoretical model. Overall, 650 adolescent athletes from team and individual sports completed an anonymous structured questionnaire including demographic information, social desirability, achievement goals, motivational regulations, sportspersonship orientations, social cognitive variables, and anticipated regret. Hierarchical regression analysis showed that the integrative model predicted 57.2% of the variance in doping intentions. Social cognitive variables and anticipated regret directly predicted doping intentions. Anticipated regret added 3% incremental variance on top of other predictors. Multiple mediation analyses showed that the effects of achievement goals on intentions were mediated by self-efficacy beliefs, whereas the effects of sportspersonship were mediated by attitudes and anticipated regret. The present study confirmed the dual structure of an integrative model of doping intentions and further highlighted the role of anticipated regret in the study of adolescent doping use.
Who Takes Risks in High-Risk Sport?: The Role of Alexithymia
Authors: Barlow Matthew , Woodman Tim , Chapman Caradog , Milton Matthew , Stone Daniel , Dodds Tom , Allen Ben
Published: March 2015

People who have difficulty identifying and describing their emotions are more likely to seek out the experience of emotions in the high-risk domain. This is because the high-risk domain provides the experience of more easily identifiable emotions (e.g., fear). However, the continued search for intense emotion may lead such individuals to take further risks within this domain, which, in turn, would lead to a greater likelihood of experiencing accidents. Across three studies, we provide the first evidence in support of this view. In Study 1 (n = 762), alexithymia was associated with greater risk taking and a greater propensity to experience accidents and close calls. In Study 2 (n = 332) and Study 3 (n = 356), additional bootstrapped mediation models confirmed these relationships. The predictive role of alexithymia remained significant when controlling for sensation seeking (Study 1) and anhedonia (Study 2 and Study 3). We discuss the practical implications of the present model as they pertain to minimizing accidents and close calls in the high-risk domain.