bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Male Victims of Adult Sexual Assault
Authors: Du Mont Janice , Macdonald Sheila , White Meghan , Turner Linda
Published: May 2013

This descriptive study aims to provide new information about the services used by sexually assaulted men and adolescent boys presenting to specialized hospital-based sexual assault programs and further insight into the factors that may be associated with their victimization. Information was collected from 38 male clients aged 12+ presenting to 29 sexual assault treatment centers in Ontario, Canada over 12 months. Variables were examined across 6 domains: time to presentation, client sociodemographics, assailant characteristics, assault characteristics, physical health consequences, and service delivery and utilization. A substantial minority of participants reported vulnerabilities such as young age; being Aboriginal; being transgendered, unemployed and/or on disability; working in the sex trade; and living on the streets, in a rehabilitative center, or in a correctional facility. Almost one-third identified or were documented as having a disability and, for most of these victims, it was either psychiatric in nature or developmental delay. All participants accepted at least one service offered; 86% used five or more services, most commonly those related to health care on-site such as crisis counseling, treatment of injuries, and referral for follow-up care for supportive counseling, injury redocumentation, and testing for sexually transmitted infections. These findings reveal that male clients’ uptake of specialized sexual assault services is significant and it is, therefore, important to provide access to a comprehensive range of psychological, medical, and forensic treatment options and referrals to other community services for ongoing support. Implications for future research and practice are discussed.
A 1700-year n-alkanes hydrogen isotope record of moisture changes in sediments from Lake Sugan in the Qaidam Basin, northeastern Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Wang Zheng , Liu Weiguo , Liu Zhonghui , Wang Huanye , He Yuxin , Zhang Fan
Published: May 2013

We present a hydrogen isotopic record of long-chain n-alkanes in Lake Sugan to reconstruct regional moisture changes in the last 1700 years at a sampling resolution of 25 years. The δD values decreased by over 30‰ from the ‘Medieval Warm Period’ (MWP; c. ad 600–1500) to the ‘Little Ice Age’ (LIA; c. ad 1500–1850), and indicated that the moisture pattern included a relatively humid climate before the MWP, becoming drier overall in the MWP, wetter in the LIA, and then tending towards drought in the post-industrial era. In the study region, Chenopodiceae shrubs were more abundant in dry climates than in wet. Meanwhile, δD values of shrubs were more positive than those of grasses. Therefore, we suggest that the vegetation type (shrub or grass), which depends on moisture changes, is the controlling factor for δD variations in Lake Sugan.
Complete response and long-term remission to anti-HER2 combined therapy in a patient with breast cancer presented with bone marrow metastases
Authors: Artac Mehmet , Koral Lokman , Toy Hatice , Guler Tunc , Boruban Melih C , Altundag Kadri
Published: May 2013

Presentation with bone marrow metastasis at diagnosis is a rare event in breast carcinoma. Here, we report a rare presentation of metastatic breast cancer patient with bone marrow metastases, who was successfully treated with trastuzumab combined chemotherapy. The regimens initially applied for bone marrow metastasis were docetaxel/adriamycin, gemcitabine/vinorelbine, epirubicin/cyclophosphamide, capecitabine, docetaxel, gemcitabine, and paclitaxel. But, the best response to these regimens was not satisfactory. Our patient was completely treated with etoposide–cisplatin and trastuzumab combination. She is still on remission after five years of metastatic breast cancer diagnosis using letrozole and trastuzumab without complication. Physicians should be careful in treating bone marrow metastases in breast cancer, since patients can show improved marrow function after chemotherapy and long-lasting survival is possible.
Determination of the external contamination and cross-contamination by cytotoxic drugs on the surfaces of vials available on the Swiss market
Authors: Fleury-Souverain Sandrine , Nussbaumer Susanne , Mattiuzzo Marc , Bonnabry Pascal
Published: May 2013

Introduction

The external contamination and cross-contamination by cytotoxic drugs on the surface (outside and septum) of 133 vials from various manufacturers and available on the Swiss market were evaluated. All of the tested vials contained one of the following active ingredients: cyclophosphamide, cytarabine, doxorubicin, epirubicin, etoposide phosphate, gemcitabine, ifosfamide, irinotecan, methotrexate or vincristine.

Methods and materials

The validated wiping liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry method used in this study allowed for the simultaneous determination of these 10 cytotoxic drugs in less than 30 min.

Results

External contamination by cytotoxic drugs was detected on 63% of tested vials (outside and septum). The highest contamination level was observed on etoposide phosphate vials with 1896.66 ng of active ingredient on the outside of the vial. Approximately 20% of the contaminated vials had greater than 10 ng of cytotoxic drugs. Chemical contamination on the septum was detected on 38% of the vials. No contamination or very low levels of cytotoxic drugs, less than 1 ng per vial, were detected on the vials protected by plastic shrink-wrap. Traces of cytotoxic drugs different from the active ingredient were detected on 35% of the tested vials.

Conclusion

Handling cytotoxic vials with gloves and having a procedure for the decontamination of vials are of the utmost importance for reducing exposure to cytotoxic drugs. Moreover, manufacturers must improve their procedures to provide products free from any contamination.
Methotrexate therapy leading to a rapid progression of a previously indolent prostate cancer: Is immunosuppression to blame?
Authors: Joseph Ranjit , Bockorny Bruno , Dasanu Constantin A
Published: May 2013

Methotrexate therapy has been associated with occurrence and/or accelerated progression of malignancies. We describe a patient who developed widespread bone metastases of a previously confined to the prostate gland prostate cancer shortly after starting methotrexate therapy for rheumatoid arthritis and large granular lymphocyte leukemia. We believe an immunosuppressive milieu brought on by the methotrexate use in this case is responsible for the rapid progression of prostate cancer leading to the patient's demise. To the best of our knowledge, no association has been made to date between the therapy with methotrexate and a fulminant course of a previously indolent prostate cancer. Given its utilization in a variety of benign and malignant conditions and the ageing population, caution is advised with the use of this agent, especially in the presence of an underlying malignancy.
Non-linear progressive failure analysis of open-hole composite laminates under combined loading
Authors: Günel Murat , Kayran Altan
Published: May 2013

This article presents a finite element-based study of geometrically non-linear progressive failure analysis of open-hole composite laminates, subjected to combined in-plane and out-of-plane loading. Different ply- and constituent-based failure criteria and material property degradation schemes have been coded in Patran command language and a progressive failure analysis code is developed. Progressive failure analyses of the sample composite laminate, with an open-hole, subject to different combined loading are performed to study the effect of the geometric non-linearity on the first ply failure and progression of failure. For mode independent failure criteria, a method is proposed for the determination of separate degradation factors for fiber and matrix failures which are assumed to occur simultaneously. The results show that under combined in-plane and out-of-plane loading, depending on the load case linear analysis can significantly underestimate or overestimate the failure progression compared to the geometrically non-linear analysis even at low levels of out-of-plane loading.
“The Devastating Conquest of the Lived by the Conceived”
Authors: Wilson Japhy
Published: May 2013

This article presents a reinterpretation of abstract space, the key concept of Henri Lefebvre’s magnum opus, The Production of Space. I argue that the full significance of the concept is only revealed through an engagement with Lefebvre’s broader work, which emphasizes his lifelong concern with abstraction, and which draws out the relationships between the concept and Lefebvre’s scattered writings on alienation, productivism, the state, spatial planning, and everyday life. Consistent with Lefebvre’s dialectical method, I interpret abstract space as internally related to the possibility of a differential space existing within its contradictions, which is in turn understood in relation to his wider concerns with autogestion, disalienation, and the politics of difference. Read in this way, the concept of abstract space can serve as a nucleus around which to orient many of Lefebvre’s key ideas, while remaining consistent with his own theoretical and political commitment to a “revolutionary romanticism.”
Shining lights and bad apples: The effect of goal-setting on group performance
Authors: Curşeu Petru L , Janssen Steffie EA , Meeus Marius TH
Published: May 2013

Management education programs increasingly use group work as a tool for developing teamwork knowledge and skills. A critical factor identified in prior research to influence group performance in student groups is goal-setting. We test in a sample of 37 groups the effect of group goal configurations and goal difficulty on group performance. We show that goal distance (as the distance between the lowest goal in the group and the rest of individual goals) has a positive impact on group performance. Moreover, we provide empirical evidence for an inverted U-shape association between goal difficulty and group performance. Therefore, our results question the linearity assumptions on the relation between goal difficulty and group performance and open new research directions in group goal-setting.
Digital video: The impact on children’s learning experiences in primary physical education
Authors: O’Loughlin Joe , Chróinín Deirdre Ní , O’Grady David
Published: May 2013

Technology can support teaching, learning and assessment in physical education. The purpose of this study was to examine children’s perspectives and experiences of using digital video in primary physical education. The impact on motivation, feedback, self-assessment and learning was examined. Twenty-three children aged 9–10 years participated in a 10-week intervention which focused on learning basketball skills. Digital video was used to provide feedback and support self-assessment using rubrics. The project design involved a qualitative inquiry where data was collected through focus groups, interviews with the children and children’s skill self-assessments. Teacher skill assessments and teacher research diary entries supported triangulation of data. Self-assessment using digital video impacted positively on student performance. Students were motivated and engaged by the feedback provided as well as the self-assessment process. Digital video can enhance motivation, feedback and performance in skill learning in primary physical education.
Insights into the concept and measurement of health literacy from a study of shared decision-making in a low literacy population
Authors: Smith Sian K , Nutbeam Don , McCaffery Kirsten J
Published: May 2013

This article explores the concept and measurement of health literacy in the context of shared health decision-making. It draws upon a series of qualitative and quantitative studies undertaken in the development and evaluation of a bowel cancer screening decision aid for low literacy populations. The findings indicate that different types of health literacy (functional, interactive and critical) are required in decision-making and present a set of instruments to assess and discriminate between higher level health literacy skills required for engagement in decision-making. It concludes that greater sophistication in both the definition and measurement of health literacy in research is needed.
European Social Survey as a source of new cultural dimensions estimates for regions
Authors: Kaasa Anneli , Vadi Maaja , Varblane Urmas
Published: May 2013

This article draws attention to the European Social Survey (ESS) database that widens the horizon of cross-cultural studies. The ESS has the potential to overcome several weaknesses of earlier data sets used for cross-cultural analysis – it provides unique opportunities for the analysis of differences between regions within nation states, and the data are representative of entire populations. We aim to develop a measurement tool of cultural dimensions based on the ESS that enables a deeper comparison of European regions besides country-level analysis. For creating ESS-based indicators, the initial indicators were selected based on Hofstede (2001), using the double classification method. Latent variables of cultural dimensions were computed using confirmative factor analysis. The results enable us to evaluate cross-cultural differences between regions inside the nation state as well as to figure out culturally close regions across nation state borders. The results of our analysis confirm that countries may be much more heterogeneous in terms of cultural variation than several cultural studies presume. Cultural heterogeneity varies across countries, and there are some quite homogeneous countries in the meaning of cultural dimensions, but most countries face cultural differences between its regions that have to be taken into account. It is also very important that the deeper the subdivision, the larger the differences. In some cases, border regions are remarkably less similar to the rest of the regions of the country than to the neighbouring regions of another country with a common border. In the case of countries with high cultural homogeneity, the use of nation-level cultural indicators may be justified, but in the case of highly heterogeneous countries a regional approach could be suggested instead.
Cultural identity and convergence on western attitudes and beliefs in the United Arab Emirates
Authors: Hills Rodney C , Atkins Paul WB
Published: May 2013

Studies of acculturation have assumed that, under pressure to assimilate, individuals will accommodate by adopting behavioural and attitudinal attributes of the local, dominant culture. In contrast, this empirical study based in the United Arab Emirates used an original survey instrument, together with a range of convergent analytic techniques, to demonstrate pervasive westernization in the Arab and subcontinental-dominant communities. In addition, the study demonstrates a novel use of multiple discriminant analysis to explore differences between cultural and personal identities, a potentially useful tool for the cross-cultural management literature. In contrast to other studies, we examine how individuals perceive themselves as deviating from their home cultures in a context where there is minimal pressure to conform to the local culture and commercial globalization is given free reign. We show that non-westerners perceived themselves both as more deviant from their home societies than those from western nations and as more similar to westerners than to their own societies. The fact that even those born in Gulf Arab nations tended to converge on western beliefs and behaviours suggested the cause of westernization may have been media and western business models. These observations lead us to challenge common theoretical models of acculturation by suggesting that individuals may acculturate by assuming learned transient aspects of cultural identity in order to maximize personal opportunity.
Extending on the Formation Process of CSR Image
Authors: Pérez Andrea , Bosque Ignacio Rodríguez del
Published: May 2013

In this article, the authors aim to clarify the process that leads customers to form a certain corporate social responsibility (CSR) image of their banking service providers. The authors analyze whether the proposals of associative learning theory, attribution theory, and persuasive communication are adequate to anticipate CSR image in a banking services context. A causal model is positively tested that allows the researchers to anticipate CSR image based on three variables: the coherence between the company and its CSR policy, the attribution of altruistic motivations for the company to implement CSR activities, and corporate credibility in developing CSR initiatives. Two new contributions to literature are made. First, the process is accepted in a context where CSR is a broad corporate strategy that includes significantly more initiatives than just cause-related marketing or the sponsorship of social causes. Second, the role of both company–CSR coherence and altruistic motivations is better explained in this article. Their influence on CSR image seems to be dependent upon the current situation of the international banking industry.
Speech-Language Pathologists’ Comfort Levels in English Language Learner Service Delivery
Authors: Kimble Carlotta
Published: May 2013

This study examined speech-language pathologists’ (SLPs) comfort levels in providing service delivery to English language learners (ELLs) and limited English proficient (LEP) students. Participants included 192 SLPs from the United States and Guam. Participants completed a brief, six-item questionnaire that investigated their perceptions regarding their comfort levels in assessment and intervention of ELL/LEP students and whether they received professional development in working with ELL/LEP students. The results suggested most SLPs are uncomfortable assessing ELL/LEP students. A moderate correlation existed between the number of workshops attended and assessment comfort levels. Weak correlations existed between the number of workshops attended and intervention comfort levels and between numbers of workshops attended and years of professional experience. Years of experience were not significant in assessment and intervention comfort levels. Disparity existed between SLPs who felt prepared to provide services to ELL students and those who actually provided services.
The Relevance of “Women’s Work”
Authors: Jarrett Kylie
Published: May 2013

In the ongoing debates about the role of immaterial labor in digital media economics, the work of feminist researchers into affective labor performed in the home—“women’s work”—has barely featured. This article is an attempt to address this gap in the dominant framework for discussing consumer labor in digital contexts. It draws on feminist frameworks, particularly the work of Fortunati, in arguing that affective, immaterial labor has a variable and often indirect relationship to capitalist exchange. This indirect relationship allows the products of such work to retain their use-values while nevertheless remaining implicated in systems of exchange. This in turn draws attention to the immaterial product of reproductive labor, which is the social order itself, and the importance of the disciplining function of reproductive labor.
The Voting Behavior of Minority Judges in the U.S. Courts of Appeals
Authors: Morin Jason L.
Published: May 2013

The diversification of the federal courts has led to a number of studies focusing on the voting behavior of African American and, to a lesser extent, Latino judges. Despite expectations that minority judges will vote differently from their White colleagues, extant research demonstrates mixed results. Perhaps one reason for this outcome is that they fail to account for the conditional role that coracial and coethnic claimants might have on behavior. This study examines the voting behavior of minority judges in the U.S. Courts of Appeals. Focusing on employment discrimination claims between 2001 and 2009, this analysis demonstrates that minority judges are not monolithic in their voting behavior. While African American judges are more likely to vote in favor of Black claimants, Latino judges are less likely to vote in favor of the claimant more generally. In all, the findings have important implications for substantive policy outcomes.
Safe Home Program
Authors: McKenzie Barbara , Bowen Mary Elizabeth , Keys Kareesa , Bulat Tatjana
Published: May 2013

Objective:

To report the implementation/adoption of the Safe Home Program to support caregivers of persons with dementia in (1) ongoing surveillance, (2) provision of care, (3) prevention of injuries, and (4) improving home safety.

Methods:

For this demonstration project 4 assessment questionnaires (Safety Assessment Scale, Vigilance Scale, Peace of Mind Scale, and Sleep Disorders Inventory) were administered to each dyad to understand their technological needs. After identification and installation of appropriate technologies and education of the caregiver, a final visit (at 3 months) determined whether technologies were useful and being used.

Results:

The majority of caregivers utilized technologies for ongoing surveillance; other technologies included an identification program and medication organizer.

Conclusion:

Technologies focused on ongoing surveillance for persons with dementia at the home are needed. These technologies could be quickly adopted by caregivers to ameliorate some of the stress and burden associated with providing care for persons with dementia.
The Neglected Role of Histamine in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Naddafi Fatemeh , Mirshafiey Abbas
Published: May 2013

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by beta-amyloid plaques accumulation and cognitive impairment. Both environmental factors and heritable predisposition have a role in AD. Histamine is a biogenic monoamine that plays a role in several physiological functions, including induction of inflammatory reactions, wound healing, and regeneration. The Histamine mediates its functions via its 4 G-protein-coupled Histamine H1 receptor (H1R) to histamine H1 receptor (H4R). The histaminergic system has a role in the treatment of brain disorders by the development of histamine receptor agonists, antagonists. The H1R and H4R are responsible for allergic inflammation. But recent studies show that histamine antagonists against H3R and regulation of H2R can be more efficient in AD therapy. In this review, we focus on the role of histamine and its receptors in the treatment of AD, and we hope that histamine could be an effective therapeutic factor in the treatment of AD.
The news and local production of the global
Authors: Song Yunya , Chang Tsan-Kuo
Published: May 2013

Key to the local audience’s conceptions of the global spectacle, the marketized regional press in China has been increasingly confronted with a complex world to cover as China finds itself integrating steadily into the global marketplace and rising as a formidable power in the post-WTO era. Using the data collected from five Chinese regional newspapers in 1989 and 2009, this study indicates that the consequences of spillover in China’s growing integration with the global system and the ever-increasing media marketization have been carried into the domain of international news, particularly in terms of a more neutral journalistic perspective and a widened range of vision at the local level. The results also show that the regionalization of international news reporting is still contained within the orbit of the party-state. The comparison over a 20-year time span suggests that China’s integration into the world capitalism system has opened up a larger global landscape for the local press, but not necessarily a wider latitude to negotiate the terrain.
Free iliac flap for treating multiple skin defects of the hand and digits
Authors: Pan Z.-H. , Jiang P.-P. , Xue S.
Published: May 2013

A total of eight cases with multiple skin defects of the hand and digits were resurfaced using a free iliac flap. The lesions involved both the hand and multiple digits in five patients and multiple digits in three patients. The average skin flap size was 89.3 cm2. In three, a piece of of vascularized iliac bone was included. There was no flap loss. Flap debulking was performed in five patients at 10–12 weeks post-surgery during the operation for flap separation and inset. Secondary flap debulking was performed in one patient at 6 months post-surgery. The average static 2-point discrimination was 15.4 mm in five patients, whereas the remaining patients only exhibited sensation to pressure. This procedure may require additional refinement; however, the free iliac flap with technical refinements is a viable option for the treatment of multiple skin defects of the hand and digits.
Talking Out Loud in Class
Authors: Hotler Amy L.
Published: May 2013

Staff development is an important role of the school nurse, yet little is written to assist the nurse in this role. Though some obtain advanced degrees in education, most school nurses are not prepared for the staff development role without further education in pedagogy, teaching strategies, and evaluation methods. This article presents discussion as one of many active teaching strategies that can engage learners and promote critical thinking. More work is needed in the area of course design and implementation, as well as additional research to help identify the most effective teaching strategies for school employees.
Confronting Intrasexual Rivals
Authors: Maner Jon K. , Miller Saul L. , Coyle Jacqueline M. , Kaschak Michael P.
Published: May 2013

The current research sheds light on a physiological mechanism potentially underlying confrontational responses to infidelity. Findings suggest that responses to infidelity threats in adulthood are shaped by hormonally mediated masculinization of the brain in utero. 2D:4D digit ratio (widely regarded as an index of prenatal testosterone exposure) moderated behavioral and endocrinological responses to infidelity threat. After an infidelity prime (but not a control prime), lower (more masculine) 2D:4D was associated with a greater tendency to approach attractive same-sex targets (intrasexual rivals) and with heightened increases in circulating testosterone, a hormone related to a variety of aggressive and confrontational behaviors.
The Influence of Age, Smoking, Antiretroviral Therapy, and Esophagitis on the Local Immunity of the Esophagus in Patients with AIDS
Authors: Cavellani Camila Lourencini , Gomes Nayara Cândida , Silva Ana Teresa de Melo e , Silva Renata Beatriz , Ferraz Mara Lúcia Fonseca , Faria Humberto Aparecido , Corrêa Rosana Rosa Miranda , Teixeira Vicente de Paula Antunes , Rocha Laura Penna
Published: May 2013

Studies have shown immunological and morphological alterations in the esophagus during the course of AIDS. Esophageal postmortem samples of 22 men with AIDS autopsied in a teaching hospital between 1982 and 2009 were collected. We carried out revision of the autopsy reports and medical records, morphometric analysis (Image J and KS-300 Kontron-Zeiss), and immunohistochemical (anti-S100, anti-IgA, anti-IgG, and anti-IgM) analysis of the esophagus. In accordance with most of the parameters evaluated, age and the smoking habit harmed the esophageal local immunity, whereas the use of antiretroviral therapy improved the immune characteristics of this organ. Patients with esophagitis also presented immunological fragility of the esophagus. This leads to the conclusion that alterations in the esophageal epithelium of patients with AIDS are not only caused by direct action of HIV but also the clinical and behavioral characteristics of the patient.
Improving Maternal Health in Kenya: Challenges and Strategies for Low Resource Nations
Authors: Kagia Jean
Published: May 2013

In order to improve maternal health in low-resource countries, a multifaceted, culturally and religiously sensitive approach is needed. This approach includes working for political stability, increasing women's level of education, economic empowerment, strengthening existing health management systems, and wisely allocating human and material resources. Critically important material resources such as access to and production of food and clean water must be a top priority. In Kenya, our constitution respects life from conception as an individual's right. This means that there is need to set up strategies that improve maternal health and by extension improve the health of the unborn baby.
Friction stir welding of thin DH36 steel plate
Authors: McPherson N A , Galloway A M , Cater S R , Hambling S J
Published: May 2013

A series of 4, 6 and 8 mm DH36 steel welds were produced using optimum conditions for friction stir welding (FSW). Comparator welds in the same thickness from the same plates were produced using a single sided single pass process submerged arc welds (SAW). This work was carried out to evaluate the mechanical properties of FSW material with a view to its possible application in a shipbuilding production process route.

Overall, the performance of the FSW material was superior to the SAW comparators. Areas such as distortion and fatigue were particularly positive in the FSW material. An 8 mm thick plate was also produced using two FSW passes, one from either side, and it was found to have superior toughness and fatigue performance when compared to the single sided 8 mm FSW material. Some of these benefits are thought to have originated from the internal overlap zone between the two passes.
Friction stir welding of AISI 1080 steel using liquid CO2 for enhanced toughness and ductility
Authors: Fujii H , Chung Y D , Sun Y F
Published: May 2013

In this study, FSW of AISI 1080 high carbon (0·85 wt-%) steel was carried out at a temperature below its AC1 under two sets of conditions, one entailing natural cooling and the other rapid cooling with liquid CO2. The joint structures and mechanical properties obtained under both sets of conditions were investigated, whereupon it was found that defect free joints can be successfully fabricated under either. The resulting joint microstructures mainly consisted of grain refined ferrite with some globular cementite. Higher (harder) joint microhardness profiles were obtained under liquid CO2 cooling below AC1 than under natural cooling below AC1. In tensile testing, all joint fractures were observed to occur in the base metal. Also, stir zone tensile strength and toughness were found to be higher in liquid CO2 cooled samples (820 MPa and 76·7 mm N respectively) than in naturally cooled samples. Note that in both cases, the joints were formed at temperatures below AC1.
On random characteristics of composite materials
Authors: Sluzalec A/
Published: May 2013

Theoretical formulation is described, which presents random characteristics in composite materials. The presented method is based on Poisson processes. Examples of random characteristics of composite materials are shown. The method presented can be used for evaluation of composite materials and the subsequent quantitative stochastic design as well as stochastic optimisation of composite materials.
Age hardening and softening related to ordering and first and second grain boundary reaction in dental low carat gold alloy
Authors: Jeong J.-I. , Cho S.-Y. , Lee G.-Y. , Kwon Y. H. , Kim H.-I. , Seol H.-J.
Published: May 2013

A commercial dental Au–Ag–Cu–Pd alloy with small amounts of Ir and Zn was examined to elucidate the age hardening and softening mechanisms by characterising the phase transformation and microstructural changes via a first and second grain boundary reaction by means of a hardness test, X-ray diffraction study, field emission scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectrometry. The hardness increased to the maximum value without an incubation period, and the overaging process showed a softening course in two steps. The increase in hardness was caused primarily by lattice distortion along the c axis due to the tetragonality of the metastable AuCu I′ and stable AuCu I phases, and secondarily by the coherence or semicoherence strain in the interfaces of the metastable AuCu I′ phase with the parent α0, product α1 and stable AuCu I phases. The fine lamellar forming first grain boundary reaction did not result in hardening, because it was not related directly to the phase separation process. The softening was in proportion to the quantity of lamellar structures by the first and second grain boundary reaction, and the softening effect of the fine lamellar forming first grain boundary reaction was larger than that of the coarse lamellar forming second grain boundary reaction.
Preparing superhydrophobic surfaces with very low contact angle hysteresis
Authors: Huang Y F , Huang C , Zhong Y L , Yi S P
Published: May 2013

A low cost, large scale fabrication method of easily achieving superhydrophobic surfaces with very low contact angle hysteresis was reported in this paper. Microstructures were fabricated by the aggregation of the copolymer of styrene and methyl methacrylate using the phase separation method. Nanostructures were also achieved by the introduction of silica nanoparticles with hexamethyldisilazane modified surfaces into the copolymer. The presence of the nanoparticles significantly reduced the contact angle hysteresis of the superhydrophobic surface. The as prepared superhydrophobic surface had a large water contact angle of 162·3° and very low contact angle hysteresis of 1·7°. Hence, the method can enable the large scale fabrication of superhydrophobic surfaces with very low contact angle hysteresis on different substrates for practical applications.
Gimme a brake: HPK1 regulates LFA-1 and neutrophil traction
Authors: Simon Scott I.
Published: May 2013

In this issue of Blood, Jakob et al report that hematopoietic progenitor kinase 1 (HPK1) participates during signaling of neutrophil recruitment by acting as a regulator of the adhesiveness of the β2-integrin lymphocyte function-associated antigen 1 (LFA-1) during acute inflammation.1
The newest member of the VEGF family
Authors: Albuquerque Romulo J. C.
Published: May 2013

In this issue of Blood, Singh et al establish the existence of a new soluble isoform of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 3 (sVEGFR-3), which is synthesized and secreted by corneal epithelial cells; they show that sVEGFR-3 modulates lymphangiogenesis by impounding vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) C and rendering it unable to activate its cognate receptors, thereby maintaining the natural alymphatic disposition of the cornea (see figure).1
Comparative analysis of the repertoire of G protein-coupled receptors of three species of the fungal genus Trichoderma
Authors: Gruber Sabine , Omann Markus , Zeilinger Susanne
Published: May 2013

Background

Eukaryotic organisms employ cell surface receptors such as the seven-transmembrane G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) as sensors to connect to the environment. GPCRs react to a variety of extracellular cues and are considered to play central roles in the signal transduction in fungi. Several species of the filamentous ascomycete Trichoderma are potent mycoparasites, i.e. can attack and parasitize other fungi, which turns them into successful bio-fungicides for the protection of plants against fungal phytopathogens. The identification and characterization of GPCRs will provide insights into how Trichoderma communicates with its environment and senses the presence of host fungi.

Results

We mined the recently published genomes of the two mycoparasitic biocontrol agents Trichoderma atroviride and Trichoderma virens and compared the identified GPCR-like proteins to those of the saprophyte Trichoderma reesei. Phylogenetic analyses resulted in 14 classes and revealed differences not only among the three Trichoderma species but also between Trichoderma and other fungi. The class comprising proteins of the PAQR family was significantly expanded both in Trichoderma compared to other fungi as well as in the two mycoparasites compared to T. reesei. Expression analysis of the PAQR-encoding genes of the three Trichoderma species revealed that all except one were actually transcribed. Furthermore, the class of receptors with a DUF300 domain was expanded in T. atroviride, and T. virens showed an expansion of PTH11-like receptors compared to T. atroviride and T. reesei.

Conclusions

Comparative genome analyses of three Trichoderma species revealed a great diversity of putative GPCRs with genus- and species- specific differences. The expansion of certain classes in the mycoparasites T. atroviride and T. virens is likely to reflect the capability of these fungi to establish various ecological niches and interactions with other organisms such as fungi and plants. These GPCRs consequently represent interesting candidates for future research on the mechanisms underlying mycoparasitism and biocontrol.
Basal forebrain activation controls contrast sensitivity in primary visual cortex
Authors: Bhattacharyya Anwesha , Veit Julia , Kretz Robert , Bondar Igor , Rainer Gregor
Published: May 2013

Background

The basal forebrain (BF) regulates cortical activity by the action of cholinergic projections to the cortex. At the same time, it also sends substantial GABAergic projections to both cortex and thalamus, whose functional role has received far less attention. We used deep brain stimulation (DBS) in the BF, which is thought to activate both types of projections, to investigate the impact of BF activation on V1 neural activity.

Results

BF stimulation robustly increased V1 single and multi-unit activity, led to moderate decreases in orientation selectivity and a remarkable increase in contrast sensitivity as demonstrated by a reduced semi-saturation contrast. The spontaneous V1 local field potential often exhibited spectral peaks centered at 40 and 70 Hz as well as reliably showed a broad γ-band (30-90 Hz) increase following BF stimulation, whereas effects in a low frequency band (1-10 Hz) were less consistent. The broad γ-band, rather than low frequency activity or spectral peaks was the best predictor of both the firing rate increase and contrast sensitivity increase of V1 unit activity.

Conclusions

We conclude that BF activation has a strong influence on contrast sensitivity in V1. We suggest that, in addition to cholinergic modulation, the BF GABAergic projections play a crucial role in the impact of BF DBS on cortical activity.
Transcriptome resources and functional characterization of monoterpene synthases for two host species of the mountain pine beetle, lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta) and jack pine (Pinus banksiana)
Authors: Hall Dawn E , Yuen Macaire M S , Jancsik Sharon , Quesada Alfonso Lara , Dullat Harpreet K , Li Maria , Henderson Hannah , Arango-Velez Adriana , Liao Nancy Y , Docking Roderick T , Chan Simon K , Cooke Janice EK , Breuil Colette , Jones Steven JM , Keeling Christopher I , Bohlmann Jörg
Published: May 2013

Background

The mountain pine beetle (MPB, Dendroctonus ponderosae) epidemic has affected lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta) across an area of more than 18 million hectares of pine forests in western Canada, and is a threat to the boreal jack pine (Pinus banksiana) forest. Defence of pines against MPB and associated fungal pathogens, as well as other pests, involves oleoresin monoterpenes, which are biosynthesized by families of terpene synthases (TPSs). Volatile monoterpenes also serve as host recognition cues for MPB and as precursors for MPB pheromones. The genes responsible for terpene biosynthesis in jack pine and lodgepole pine were previously unknown.

Results

We report the generation and quality assessment of assembled transcriptome resources for lodgepole pine and jack pine using Sanger, Roche 454, and Illumina sequencing technologies. Assemblies revealed transcripts for approximately 20,000 - 30,000 genes from each species and assembly analyses led to the identification of candidate full-length prenyl transferase, TPS, and P450 genes of oleoresin biosynthesis. We cloned and functionally characterized, via expression of recombinant proteins in E. coli, nine different jack pine and eight different lodgepole pine mono-TPSs. The newly identified lodgepole pine and jack pine mono-TPSs include (+)-α-pinene synthases, (-)-α-pinene synthases, (-)-β-pinene synthases, (+)-3-carene synthases, and (-)-β-phellandrene synthases from each of the two species.

Conclusion

In the absence of genome sequences, transcriptome assemblies are important for defence gene discovery in lodgepole pine and jack pine, as demonstrated here for the terpenoid pathway genes. The product profiles of the functionally annotated mono-TPSs described here can account for the major monoterpene metabolites identified in lodgepole pine and jack pine.
Pilot comparative effectiveness study of surface perturbation treadmill training to prevent falls in older adults
Authors: Lurie Jon D , Zagaria Alexandra B , Pidgeon Dawna M , Forman Judith L , Spratt Kevin F
Published: May 2013

Background

Falls are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries among older adults. Exercise programs appear to reduce fall risk, but the optimal type, frequency, and duration of exercise is unknown. External perturbations such as tripping and slipping are a major contributor to falls, and task-specific perturbation training to enhance dynamic stability has emerged as a promising approach to modifying fall risk. The purpose of this pilot study was 1) to determine the feasibility of conducting a large pragmatic randomized trial comparing a multidimensional exercise program inclusive of the surface perturbation treadmill training (SPTT) to multidimensional exercise alone (Standard PT); and 2) to assess fall outcomes between the two groups to determine whether an effect size large enough to warrant further study might be present.

Methods

A randomized pilot study at two outpatient physical therapy clinics. Participants were over age 64 and referred for gait and balance training. Feasibility for a larger randomized trial was assessed based on the ability of therapists to incorporate the SPTT into their clinical practice and acceptance of study participation by eligible patients. Falls were assessed by telephone interview 3 months after enrollment.

Results

Of 83 patients who were screened, 73 met inclusion criteria. SPTT was successfully adapted into clinical practice and 88% of eligible subjects were willing to be randomized, although 10% of the SPTT cohort dropped out prior to treatment. The SPTT group showed fewer subjects having any fall (19.23% vs. 33.33% Standard PT; p < 0.227) and fewer having an injurious fall (7.69% vs. 18.18%; p < 0.243). These results were not statistically significant but this pilot study was not powered for hypothesis testing.

Conclusions

Physical therapy inclusive of surface perturbation treadmill training appears clinically feasible, and randomization between these two PT interventions is acceptable to the majority of patients. These results appear to merit longer-term study in an adequately powered trial.

Trial registration

clinicaltrials.gov: NCT00810082
Longitudinal genetic analyses of Staphylococcus aureus nasal carriage dynamics in a diverse population
Authors: Muthukrishnan Gowrishankar , Lamers Ryan P , Ellis Austin , Paramanandam Vanathy , Persaud Alana B , Tafur Sergio , Parkinson Christopher L , Cole Alexander M
Published: May 2013

Background

Staphylococcus aureus (SA) nasal colonization plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of staphylococcal infections and SA eradication from the nares has proven to be effective in reducing endogenous infections. To understand SA nasal colonization and its relation with consequent disease, assessment of nasal carriage dynamics and genotypic diversity among a diverse population is a necessity.

Results

We have performed extensive longitudinal monitoring of SA nasal carriage isolates in 109 healthy individuals over a period of up to three years. Longitudinal sampling revealed that 24% of the individuals were persistent SA nasal carriers while 32% were intermittent. To assess the genetic relatedness between different SA isolates within our cohort, multi locus sequence typing (MLST) was performed. MLST revealed that not only were strains colonizing intermittent and persistent nasal carriers genetically similar, belonging to the same clonal complexes, but strain changes within the same host were also observed over time for both types of carriers. More highly discriminating genetic analyses using the hypervariable regions of staphylococcal protein A and clumping factor B virulence genes revealed no preferential colonization of specific SA strains in persistent or intermittent carriers. Moreover, we observed that a subset of persistent and intermittent carriers retained clinically relevant community-acquired methicillin-resistant SA (CA-MRSA) strains in their nares over time.

Conclusions

The findings of this study provides added perspective on the nasal carriage dynamics between strains colonizing persistent and intermittent carriers; an area currently in need of assessment given that persistent carriers are at greater risk of autoinfection than intermittent carriers.
Late HBsAg seroreversion of mutated hepatitis B virus after bone marrow transplantation
Authors: Schubert Axel , Michel Detlef , Mertens Thomas
Published: May 2013

Background

About ninety percent of immunocompetent adults recover from hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection within 6 months after transmission. The infection is considered to be terminated if the antibodies (HBsAb) to the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) become detectable and the HBsAg and Hepatitis B virus DNA (HBV DNA,) are no longer perceptible. After recovery from an acute infection, the detection of HBsAb is assumed to indicate lifelong immunity. However, after initiation of severe immunosuppression, HBV reactivation, as detected by HBsAg seroreversion may be observed in patients with previously resolved HBV infections.

Case presentation

We present an unusual case of a 64-year-old Caucasian woman showing clinically apparent HBV seroreversion more than 45 months after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Despite living without immunosuppressive agents for more than 40 months, she developed a fulminant HBV infection with detection of a mutated hepatitis B virus carrying two immune escape mutations (D144E/G145R) in the HBsAg (HBsIE mutation).

Conclusion

After HSCT, the absence of risk factors such as strong immunosuppression and graft-versus-host disease decreases the risk of HBV seroreversion but may rearward seroreversion to a later time. Therefore, when monitoring HSCT, patients with serological markers of a resolved HBV infection [HBcAb + (hepatitis B core antibody), HBsAb+, and HBsAg−], the follow up has to be extended over several years to exclude HBV reactivation with HBsAg seroreversion. Furthermore, this case demonstrates the complexity of virus evolution after HBsAg seroreversion as a result of immunosuppression after HSCT.