bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Functional differences between wild‐type and mutant‐type BRCA1‐associated protein 1 tumor suppressor against malignant mesothelioma cells
Authors: Hakiri Shuhei , Osada Hirotaka , Ishiguro Futoshi , Murakami Hideki , Murakami‐Tonami Yuko , Yokoi Kohei , Sekido Yoshitaka
Published: May 2015

Malignant mesothelioma (MM) shows inactivation of the BRCA1‐associated protein 1 (BAP1) gene. In this study, we found BAP1 mutations in 5 (26%) of the 19 cell lines that we established from Japanese MM patients, and examined functional differences between the WT and mutant BAP1. First, we studied the subcellular localization of BAP1, demonstrating that the WT primarily resides in the nucleus and that the mutant BAP1 is found in the cytoplasm of the cells. Transduction of the WT BAP1 vector into MM cells with homozygous deletion at the BAP1 3′ side resulted in both inhibition of cell proliferation and anchorage‐independent cell growth, whereas BAP1 mutants of a missense or C‐terminal truncated form showed impaired growth inhibitory effects. Next, we studied how BAP1 is involved in MM cell survival after irradiation (IR), which causes DNA damage. After IR, we found that both WT and mutant BAP1 were similarly phosphorylated and phospho‐BAP1 localized mainly in the nucleus. Interestingly, BRCA1 proteins were decreased in the MM cells with BAP1 deletion, and transduction of the mutants as well as WT BAP1 increased BRCA1 proteins, suggesting that BAP1 may promote DNA repair partly through stabilizing BRCA1. Furthermore, using the MM cells with BAP1 deletion, we found that WT BAP1, and even a missense mutant, conferred a higher survival rate after IR compared to the control vector. Our results suggested that, whereas WT BAP1 suppresses MM cell proliferation and restores cell survival after IR damage, some mutant BAP1 may also moderately retain these functions.
Differential reactivation of fetal/neonatal genes in mouse liver tumors induced in cirrhotic and non‐cirrhotic conditions
Authors: Chen Xi , Yamamoto Masahiro , Fujii Kiyonaga , Nagahama Yasuharu , Ooshio Takako , Xin Bing , Okada Yoko , Furukawa Hiroyuki , Nishikawa Yuji
Published: May 2015

Hepatocellular carcinoma develops in either chronically injured or seemingly intact livers. To explore the tumorigenic mechanisms underlying these different conditions, we compared the mRNA expression profiles of mouse hepatocellular tumors induced by the repeated injection of CCl4 or a single diethylnitrosamine (DEN) injection using a cDNA microarray. We identified tumor‐associated genes that were expressed differentially in the cirrhotic CCl4 model (H19, Igf2, Cbr3, and Krt20) and the non‐cirrhotic DEN model (Tff3, Akr1c18, Gpc3, Afp, and Abcd2) as well as genes that were expressed comparably in both models (Ly6d, Slpi, Spink3, Scd2, and Cpe). The levels and patterns of mRNA expression of these genes were validated by quantitative RT‐PCR analyses. Most of these genes were highly expressed in mouse livers during the fetal/neonatal periods. We also examined the mRNA expression of these genes in mouse tumors induced by thioacetamide, another cirrhotic inducer, and those that developed spontaneously in non‐cirrhotic livers and found that they shared a similar expression profile as that observed in CCl4‐induced and DEN‐induced tumors, respectively. There was a close relationship between the expression levels of Igf2 and H19 mRNA, which were activated in the cirrhotic models. Our results show that mouse liver tumors reactivate fetal/neonatal genes, some of which are specific to cirrhotic or non‐cirrhotic modes of pathogenesis.
The effect of interventions aimed at improving participation outcomes for children with disabilities: a systematic review
Authors: Adair Brooke , Ullenhag Anna , Keen Deb , Granlund Mats , Imms Christine
Published: May 2015

Aim

Enhancement of participation has been described as the ultimate outcome for health and educational interventions. The goal of this systematic review was to identify and critically appraise studies that aimed to improve the participation outcomes of children with disabilities.

Method

Nine databases that index literature from the fields of health, psychology, and education were searched to retrieve information on research conducted with children with disabilities aged between 5 years and 18 years. Articles were included if the author(s) reported that participation was an intended outcome of the intervention. The articles included were limited to those reporting high‐level primary research, as defined by Australia's National Health and Medical Research Council evidence hierarchy guidelines. No restrictions were placed on the type of intervention being investigated.

Results

Seven randomized controlled or pseudo‐randomized studies were included. Only three of these studies identified participation as a primary outcome. Both individualized and group‐based approaches to enhancing participation outcomes appeared to be effective. Studies of interventions with a primary focus on body function or activity level outcomes did not demonstrate an effect on participation outcomes.

Intepretation

Few intervention studies have focused on participation as a primary outcome measure. Approaches using individually tailored education and mentoring programmes were found to enhance participation outcomes, while exercise programmes, where participation was a secondary outcome, generally demonstrated little effect.
Inequality in oral health‐related quality of life before and after a major subsidization reform
Authors: Raittio Eero , Lahti Satu , Kiiskinen Urpo , Helminen Sari , Aromaa Arpo , Suominen Anna L.
Published: May 2015

In Finland, a dental subsidization reform, implemented in 2001–2002, abolished age restrictions on subsidized dental care. We investigated income‐related inequality in oral health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL) and its determinants among adult Finns before and after the reform. Three cross‐sectional postal surveys, focusing on perceived oral health and the use of dental services among people born before 1971, were conducted in 2001 (n = 2,046), 2004 (n = 1,728), and 2007 (n = 1,560). Five measures, based on the Oral Health Impact Profile‐14, were used as indicators of OHRQoL. Income‐related inequality and associated factors were analysed using the concentration index and its decomposition. Prevalence, extent, and severity of oral health impacts were slightly lower in 2007 than in 2001. The oral health impacts were concentrated, at all study time points, among individuals with lower income. Most of the inequality was related to self‐perceived general health, tooth loss, and income. Contributions of time since the last dental visit and satisfaction with the last treatment period to the inequality decreased from 2001 to 2007. However, the contributions of these factors were already small (10–20%) in 2001. In general, OHRQoL improved slightly; however, no clear or dramatic change in inequality in OHRQoL was seen after the reform.
Electrocaloric Behavior and Temperature‐Dependent Scaling of Dynamic Hysteresis of Ba0.85Ca0.15Ti0.9Zr0.1O3 Ceramics
Authors: Patel Satyanarayan , Chauhan Aditya , Vaish Rahul
Published: May 2015

This article presents electrocaloric effect in Ba0.85Ca0.15Ti0.9Zr0.1O3 (BCTZO) using an indirect approach based on Maxwell's relations. The peak electrocaloric performance is found to be an adiabatic temperature change of 0.41 K with electrocaloric strength of 19 mK cm/kV and a heat carrying capacity of ~0.17 J/g under an electric field of 0–21.5 kV/cm. The ferroelectric hysteresis scaling relations for coercive field (EC), remnant polarization (Pr), and hysteresis area () as a function of temperature (T) are also systematically investigated. The power‐law temperature exponents are obtained for all the hysteresis parameters. The scaling relations are established as Ec ∝ T−0.6584, Pr ∝ T−1.59, and  ∝ T−1.01623. The presented scaling relations are compared with those reported in the literature for other ferroelectric materials.
Clinical outcomes of prostate cancer patients in Yokosuka City, Japan: A comparative study between cases detected by prostate‐specific antigen‐based screening in Yokosuka and those detected by other means
Authors: Sakai Naoki , Taguri Masataka , Kobayashi Kazuki , Noguchi Sumio , Ikeda Shigeru , Koh Hideshige , Satomi Yoshiaki , Furuhata Akihiko
Published: May 2015

Objectives

To investigate whether prostate‐specific antigen‐based screening reduced the prostate cancer mortality rate in Yokosuka, Japan.

Methods

We carried out a cohort study, in which we compared clinical outcomes between patients detected by prostate‐specific antigen‐based screening (S group n = 524) versus those detected by other means (NS group n = 1044). Clinical and pathological factors were evaluated using Cox regression analyses and the Kaplan–Meier method.

Results

A total of 1.5% (8/524) of patients in the S group and 6.7% (70/1044) of those in the NS group died from prostate cancer during follow up. A total of 8.0% (42/524) of patients in the S group and 11.4% (119/1044) in the NS group died from other causes. The 10‐year cancer specific survival rates of the S and NS groups were 97% and 86%, respectively (P < 0.001). The median age was significantly lower in the S group than the NS group: 71 and 73 years, respectively (P < 0.001). The rate of Gleason score 8–10 was significantly lower in the S group than the NS group: 9.7% and 16.7%, respectively (P < 0.001). The rate of patients with metastasis or prostate‐specific antigen 100 ng/mL or more was significantly lower in the S group than the NS group: 7.8% and 23.0%, respectively (P < 0.001). On multivariate analysis, Gleason score 8–10 compared with Gleason score 6 was independently associated with cancer‐specific survival (hazard ratio 4.808, 95% confidence interval 1.044–22.14, P = 0.044).

Conclusions

Prostate‐specific antigen‐based population screening in Yokosuka City might help to reduce the prostate cancer mortality rate.
Mortality in People with Intellectual Disabilities
Authors: Heslop Pauline , Lauer Emily , Hoghton Matt
Published: May 2015

This paper reviews why an understanding of mortality data in general, and in relation to people with intellectual disabilities in particular, is an important area of concern, and introduces the papers in this Special Edition.
Carcass feeding as a cryptic foraging mode in round goby Neogobius melanostomus
Authors: Polačik M. , Jurajda P. , Blažek R. , Janáč M.
Published: May 2015

Round gobies Neogobius melanostomus were observed readily consuming soft tissue from carcasses of larger fishes under both laboratory and field conditions. Consumption normally progressed in a typical sequence, starting with soft and easily accessible tissues such as the eyes, followed by puncture of the abdominal cavity, gut consumption and then muscle consumption. Carcass feeding has not previously been seen in N. melanostomus and has potential consequences for transfer of nutrients and contaminants.
Scale development study: The Fluid Control in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Albayrak Cosar Arife , Cinar Pakyuz Sezgi
Published: May 2015

Aim

The aim of this study was to develop a valid and reliable measurement instrument to identify knowledge, behaviors, and attitudes of hemodialysis (HD) patients about fluid control as these patients are inadequate in ensuring and sustaining fluid control.

Methods

The sample of this methodological study consisted of 276 HD patients who are being treated in two public and two private hemodialysis centers. The validity of the scale was assessed through content validity, construct validity, and similar scale validity, and its reliability through item analysis, internal consistency coefficient and test–retest. For the content validity of the scale, expert views were assessed, and opinions of a Turkish language specialist were obtained.

Results

According to the exploratory factor analysis, the scale had 24 items and three subdimensions, namely, knowledge, behavior, and attitude. The total variance explained was found to be 51.15%. Cronbach's alpha reliability coefficient of the Fluid Control in Hemodialysis Patients Scale (FCHPS) turned out to be 0.88 and Cronbach's alpha for its subdimensions were 0.92, 0.80, and 0.67, respectively. The correlation value between test and retest was 0.94 (P < 0.001). A moderate significant correlation (r = 0.58, P < 0.001) was found between the scale scores and the scores of the Dialysis Diet and Fluid Restrictions Non‐adherence Questionnaire.

Conclusion

The FCHPS that was developed has good validity and reliability. This scale can be used to measure knowledge, behavior, and attitude of hemodialysis patients about fluid restriction.
Experience with recombinant activated factor VII for severe post‐partum hemorrhage in Japan, investigated by Perinatology Committee, Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Authors: Murakami Maki , Kobayashi Takao , Kubo Takahiko , Hata Toshiyuki , Takeda Satoru , Masuzaki Hideaki
Published: May 2015

Aim

To investigate the utility of recombinant activated Factor VII (rFVIIa) for severe post‐partum hemorrhage (PPH) in Japan.

Methods

We studied 69 patients treated with rFVIIa for severe PPH; 44 patients were from the registry of Japan Society of Obstetrical, Gynecological and Neonatal Hematology, and 25 were identified by a survey of the Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Results

Overall, the mean and median blood loss were 11 835 mL and 8639 mL, respectively. Treatment before rFVIIa included transarterial embolization in 23 patients and hysterectomy in 38. Forty‐two patients had a single dose, 17 had two doses, and four had three doses. The mean (± SD) single dose was 81.60 ± 16.25 µg/kg. Sixty‐five patients survived, and four died. The cause of PPH in patients who died was uterine rupture plus amniotic fluid embolism in two patients, uterine cervical laceration in one, and placental abruption in one. The amount of blood loss in cases of death was 6428–43 810 mL. This suggested that whether a patient survives or not was more dependent on her general condition before and after rFVIIa treatment than on the amount of blood loss. Four patients had thromboembolic events after rFVIIa treatment (deep vein thrombosis; deep vein thrombosis plus pulmonary embolism; acute myocardial infarction; and pulmonary embolism); all of these patients recovered.

Conclusion

The present promising results may support the utility of rFVIIa for severe PPH in Japan.
The acute phase response induced by Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide modifies the pharmacokinetics and metabolism of florfenicol in rabbits
Authors: Pérez R. , Palma C. , Burgos R. , Jeldres J. A. , Espinoza A. , Peñailillo A. K.
Published: May 2015

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced acute phase response (APR) on the pharmaco‐kinetics and biotransformation of florfenicol (FFC) in rabbits. Six rabbits (3.0 ± 0.08 kg body weight (bw)) were distributed through a crossover design with 4 weeks of washout period. Pairs of rabbits similar in bw and sex were assigned to experimental groups: Group 1 (LPS) was treated with three intravenous doses of 1 μg/kg bw of E. coli LPS at intervals of 6 h, and Group 2 (control) was treated with an equivalent volume of saline solution (SS) at the same intervals and frequency of Group 1. At 24 h after the first injection of LPS or SS, an intravenous bolus of 20 mg/kg bw of FFC was administered. Blood samples were collected from the auricular vein before drug administration and at different times between 0.05 and 24.0 h after treatment. FFC and florfenicol‐amine (FFC‐a) were extracted from the plasma, and their concentrations were determined by high‐performance liquid chromatography. A noncompartmental pharmacokinetic model was used for data analysis, and data were compared using the paired Student t‐test. The mean values of AUC0–∞ in the endotoxaemic rabbits (26.3 ± 2.7 μg·h/mL) were significantly higher (P < 0.05) than values observed in healthy rabbits (17.2 ± 0.97 μg·h/mL). The total mean plasma clearance (CLT) decreased from 1228 ± 107.5 mL·h/kg in the control group to 806.4 ± 91.4 mL·h/kg in the LPS‐treated rabbits. A significant increase (P < 0.05) in the half‐life of elimination was observed in the endotoxaemic rabbits (5.59 ± 1.14 h) compared to the values observed in healthy animals (3.44 ± 0.57 h). In conclusion, the administration of repeated doses of 1 μg/kg E. coli LPS induced an APR in rabbits, producing significant modifications in plasma concentrations of FFC leading to increases in the AUC, terminal half‐life and mean residence time (MRT), but a significant decrease in CLT of the drug. As a consequence of the APR induced by LPS, there was a reduction in the metabolic conversion of FFC to their metabolite FFC‐a in the liver, suggesting that the mediators released during the APR induced significant inhibitory effects on the hepatic drug‐metabolizing enzymes.
Short‐Term Heparin Kinetics during Catheter Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: GABUS VINCENT , ROLLIN ANNE , MAURY PHILIPPE , FORCLAZ ANDREI , PASCALE PATRIZIO , DHUTIA HARSHIL , BISCH LAURENCE , PRUVOT ETIENNE
Published: May 2015

Background

Percutaneous catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (CA‐AF) is a treatment option for symptomatic drug‐refractory atrial fibrillation (AF). CA‐AF carries a risk for thromboembolic complications that has been minimized by the use of intraprocedural intravenous unfractionated heparin (UFH). The optimal administration of UFH as well as its kinetics are not well established and need to be precisely determined.

Methods and Results

A total 102 of consecutive patients suffering from symptomatic drug‐refractory AF underwent CA‐AF. The mean age was 61 ± 10 years old. After transseptal puncture of the fossa ovalis, weight‐adjusted UFH bolus (100 U/kg) was infused. A significant increase in activated clotting time (ACT) was observed from an average value of 100 ± 27 seconds at baseline, to 355 ± 94 seconds at 10 min (T10), to 375 ± 90 seconds at 20 min (T20). Twenty‐four patients failed to reach the targeted ACT value of ≥300 seconds at T10 and more than half of these remained with subtherapeutic ACT values at T20. This subset of patients showed similar clinical characteristics and amount of UFH but were more frequently prescribed preprocedural vitamin K1 than the rest of the study population.

Conclusions

In a typical intervention setting, UFH displays unexpected slow anticoagulation kinetics in a significant proportion of procedures up to 20 minutes after infusion. These findings support the infusion of UFH before transseptal puncture or any left‐sided catheterization with early ACT measurements to identify patients with delayed kinetics. They are in line with recent guidelines to perform CA‐AF under therapeutic anticoagulation.
Wireless Ultrasound Guidance for Femoral Venous Cannulation in Electrophysiology: Impact on Safety, Efficacy, and Procedural Delay
Authors: RODRÍGUEZ MUÑOZ DANIEL , FRANCO DÍEZ EDUARDO , MORENO JAVIER , LUMIA GIUSEPPE , CARBONELL SAN ROMÁN ALEJANDRA , SEGURA DE LA CAL TERESA , MATÍA FRANCÉS ROBERTO , HERNÁNDEZ MADRID ANTONIO , ZAMORANO GÓMEZ JOSÉ LUIS
Published: May 2015

Background

Ultrasound (US) guidance increases safety and efficacy in vascular cannulation and is considered the standard of care. However, barriers including workflow interference and the need to be assisted by a second operator limit its adoption in clinical routine. The use of wireless US (WUS) may overcome these barriers. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of a novel WUS probe during its initial implantation in an electrophysiology (EP) laboratory.

Methods

Thirty‐six patients requiring femoral venous cannulation for EP procedures were included in this single center, prospective, observational study, comparing WUS guidance with the anatomical landmark approach. The primary endpoint was time to successful cannulation. Secondary endpoints included rate of unsuccessful punctures, accidental arterial punctures, and workflow interference.

Results

Compared with anatomical landmark approach, WUS guidance significantly reduced mean time to successful cannulation (87.3 ± 94.3 vs 238.1 ± 294.7 seconds, P < 0.01). Workflow interference was predominantly nonexistent or mild and decreased after the first three weeks of use. In addition, WUS guidance improved safety and efficacy, reducing the rate of accidental arterial punctures (0.02 ± 0.1 vs 0.25 ± 0.5 arterial punctures per cannulation, P < 0.05) and unsuccessful attempts (0.26 ± 0.8 vs 1.75 ± 2.1 attempts per cannulation, P < 0.01).

Conclusions

WUS guidance resulted in faster, safer, and more effective femoral venous cannulation than the anatomical landmark approach without adding significant workflow interference. The application of wireless technology in this setting contributed to overcoming some of the barriers preventing a more widespread clinical use of US guidance.
Systems biology and metabolic modelling unveils limitations to polyhydroxybutyrate accumulation in sugarcane leaves; lessons for C4 engineering
Authors: McQualter Richard B. , Bellasio Chandra , Gebbie Leigh K. , Petrasovits Lars A. , Palfreyman Robin W. , Hodson Mark P. , Plan Manuel R. , Blackman Deborah M. , Brumbley Stevens M. , Nielsen Lars K.
Published: May 2015

In planta production of the bioplastic polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) is one important way in which plant biotechnology can address environmental problems and emerging issues related to peak oil. However, high biomass C4 plants such as maize, switch grass and sugarcane develop adverse phenotypes including stunting, chlorosis and reduced biomass as PHB levels in leaves increase. In this study, we explore limitations to PHB accumulation in sugarcane chloroplasts using a systems biology approach, coupled with a metabolic model of C4 photosynthesis. Decreased assimilation was evident in high PHB‐producing sugarcane plants, which also showed a dramatic decrease in sucrose and starch content of leaves. A subtle decrease in the C/N ratio was found which was not associated with a decrease in total protein content. An increase in amino acids used for nitrogen recapture was also observed. Based on the accumulation of substrates of ATP‐dependent reactions, we hypothesized ATP starvation in bundle sheath chloroplasts. This was supported by mRNA differential expression patterns. The disruption in ATP supply in bundle sheath cells appears to be linked to the physical presence of the PHB polymer which may disrupt photosynthesis by scattering photosynthetically active radiation and/or physically disrupting thylakoid membranes.
Perspective‐taking induction mitigates the effect of partner attachment avoidance on self–partner overlap
Authors: BERNSTEIN ROSEMARY E. , LAURENT SEAN M. , NELSON BENJAMIN W. , LAURENT HEIDEMARIE K.
Published: May 2015

Adult attachment avoidance has long been associated with relationship turmoil and dissatisfaction, and some research has highlighted the clinical potential of perspective‐taking (PT) training for ameliorating attachment avoidance‐related relationship difficulties. Prior research also suggests that prosocial sequelae of PT are mediated by increased self–other overlap. This study examined how a brief PT induction preceding an unresolved conflict discussion interacted with individual differences in attachment avoidance to influence postconflict ratings of self–partner overlap. The authors found that the PT induction buffered the effect of partner—but not one's own—avoidance on self–partner overlap. Main effects of PT condition and both actor and partner avoidance were also detected, and results remained unchanged when controlling for indirect intracouple overlap and relevant individual and couple characteristics.
Friend support of dating relationships: Comparing relationship type, friend and partner perspectives
Authors: DAILEY RENÉ M. , BRODY NICHOLAS , KNAPP JESSICA
Published: May 2015

This study assessed the role of friends in dating relationships, comparing on–off and noncyclical relationships. Participants (N = 460) reported on the friend most familiar with their current or recent dating relationship. We examined friend support of and influence on the dating relationship and the influence of the dating relationship on the friendship. Participants' friends (N = 98) completed a similar survey to compare participants' and friends' perceptions. On–off partners reported less support for the dating relationship than did noncyclical partners. On–off partners also reported greater openness, whereas friends reported greater frequency, of communicating about the dating relationship. Friends also felt the relationship changed the friendship more; friends of on–off partners in particular reported more positive change to their friendship.
Impact of pulmonary nontuberculous mycobacterial treatment on pulmonary function tests in patients with and without established obstructive lung disease
Authors: Mehta Mauli , Chapman Kenneth R. , Heffer Matthew , Marras Theodore K.
Published: May 2015

Background and objective

There is relatively little data regarding pulmonary function test (PFT) findings and impact of treatment on PFT in pulmonary nontuberculous mycobacterial (pNTM) disease.

Methods

We performed a retrospective study on pNTM patients. Clinical, radiographical, microbiological and PFT data were reviewed. Patients were divided into three groups based on pre‐existing obstructive lung disease: (i) normal (no chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or asthma); (ii) asthma; and (iii) COPD. We studied pre‐treatment PFT and assessed for PFT changes after anti‐mycobacterial therapy.

Results

A total of 96 patients fulfilled ATS disease criteria and had pre‐treatment PFT (54 ‘normal’, 18 asthma, 24 COPD). Most common causative NTM was Mycobacterium avium complex (76%), and radiographical disease type was nodular bronchiectasis (71%). Before therapy, all groups had PFT abnormalities, including obstruction, gas trapping and at least mildly low diffusion capacity of carbon monoxide (DLCO). Pre‐treatment PFT abnormalities were more pronounced among patients with asthma and COPD. A total of 44 patients had >12 months anti‐mycobacterial therapy and post‐treatment PFT. There tended to be small and generally not statistically significant reductions in spirometry and DLCO in most groups. Among the nine asthmatic patients, there was a small reduction in residual volume (RV) (1.5% predicted, P = 0.01) and RV/total lung capacity (by 7% predicted, P = 0.06).

Conclusions

Patients with pNTM have abnormal PFT, and treatment was not associated with substantial changes therein. Asthmatics may experience some improvements in gas trapping after NTM therapy, but because the sample size and the observed change were both small, this requires further investigation.
Geochemical evidence of microbial activity within ooids
Authors: Diaz Mara R. , Swart Peter K. , Eberli Gregor P. , Oehlert Amanda M. , Devlin Quinn , Saeid Amel , Altabet Mark A.
Published: May 2015

Ooid formation remains elusive despite their importance as palaeoclimatic indicators and important contributors to global carbonate budget. Based on stable isotopes, nutrient and elemental analyses on solid components and ooidal leachates, this study supports the notion of microbial involvement in the development of ooids from Great Bahama Bank. Carbon and nitrogen isotopic analyses on organic fractions identified geochemical signatures of microbial activity. The δ13C values for organic carbon in the bulk (−11·9 to −16·9‰); intercrystalline/intracrystalline (−11·9 to 16·7‰); and intracrystalline phases (−12·4 to −17·7‰) were similar and, except for the more enriched values of ooids from Butterfly Beach, were within the range of photosynthesisers. The δ15N values for the bulk (+0·5 to −0·2‰); intercrystalline/intracrystalline (−0·3‰ to −0·7‰) and intracrystalline organic matter (−0·3 to −1·7‰) showed a narrow range consistent with nitrogen fixation. While positive δ15N and δ18O values of the leached from the ooids provided evidence of denitrification, the carbonate associated sulphate δ34SCAS of the bulk sediments (+19·2 to +19·6‰) and δ34S of the leachates (+16·6 to +18·3‰) provided weak indication of sulphate reduction, suggesting either that high concentrations of isotopically enriched S are overriding bio‐signatures of sulphate reduction or that microbes are preferentially using as an electron acceptor. In contrast, the elevated sulphate concentrations of the leachates suggest the occurrence of microbial sulphide oxidation within ooids. The high Mg/Ca of the leachates and scanning electron microscope analyses provide putative evidence of amorphous calcium carbonate and a formative role in CaCO3 precipitation. Together, these findings indicate that a redox dependent microbial consortium may influence CaCO3 precipitation in the form of ooid accretion, cementation and micritization. It is also inferred that ooid deposits are not suitable indicators of palaeoclimate because ooids are affected throughout their life by a complex chain of abiotic and biological processes which can lead to large geochemical offsets.
Amniotic membrane graft to reconstruct divided nevi of eyelids
Authors: Bhattacharjee Kasturi , Singh Manpreet , Bhattacharjee Harsha
Published: May 2015

Two patients with congenital divided nevi of the eyelids presented with chief symptoms of cosmetic blemish (n=2) and epiphora (n=1). All the lesions were surgically excised with histological free margins and amniotic membrane graft (AMG) was used to cover the mucosal and eyelid marginal defects. Caruncular and punctal involvement was managed with complete excision and monocanalicular stent insertion to prevent punctal stenosis. AMG provided an adequate scaffold for conjunctival regenesis and anatomic continuity was found within 6 weeks in both patients. None of them had any residual pigmentation or disease recurrence after a follow-up of more than 2.5 years. Local absence of eyelashes was the only drawback which patients masked with modern artificial eyelashes or make-up. This novel utility of AMG illustrates effective conjunctival regenesis and maintenance of mucocutaneous junction functionality.
Malignant systemic hypertension, encephalopathy and bradycardia following splenectomy for hereditary spherocytosis
Authors: Varshney Abhimanyu , Sharma Shilpa , Dey Santosh , Gupta Devendra K
Published: May 2015

An 8-year-old girl suffering from hereditary spherocytosis underwent splenectomy for chronic severe anaemia. Surgery was uneventful and the patient had a good early postoperative recovery. On the third postoperative day, however, she developed severe headache with associated abnormal movements of upper limbs and nystagmus. She had a heart rate of 50 bpm and a blood pressure of 180/110 mm Hg. She was managed with triple antihypertensives, antiepileptics and sedatives. She recovered slowly over 2 weeks and is fine at 5 months follow-up.
Electroconvulsive therapy: a life course approach for recurrent depressive disorder
Authors: Carney Sarah , Sami Musa Basseer , Clark Victoria , Kuruvilla Kompancariel Kuruvilla
Published: May 2015

We describe the case of an 89-year-old woman (deceased) with a 60-year history of recurrent depressive disorder treated with electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). It is estimated that she received up to 400 ECTs over her life course as her symptoms would not respond to oral medication. Despite extensive exposure to ECT, there was only minimal cognitive impairment and an excellent safety record, even in later life, as she became increasingly frail from multiple comorbidities. Over the years, there has been a drive to reduce the frequency of ECT administration. However, this case illustrates how in some patients ECT may be vital for acute episodes of severe depression as well as for maintenance therapy. This case report adds to observational evidence that maintenance ECT may be an underused treatment for recurrent depression and also recommends that greater emphasis be given to incorporating carers’ views when planning individualised treatment approaches.
Molecular detection ofSchizophyllum communein a case of allergic fungal rhinosinusitis
Authors: Gupta Prashant , Verma Nitya , Singh Ajay Kumar , Agarwal Satya Prakash
Published: May 2015

We present a rare case ofSchizophyllum communecausing allergic fungal rhinosinusitis (AFRS) in a 56-year-old immunocompetent woman. In our case, diagnosis of AFRS was based on the history of illness, CT scan findings, culture and PCR. The PCR product was further analysed by sequencing to confirmS. commune. The patient was treated by functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) and antiallergic drugs.
Assessing the mobility benefits of proactive optimal variable speed limit control during recurrent and non-recurrent congestion
Authors: Luo Ying , Hadiuzzaman M. , Fang Jie , Qiu Tony Z.
Published: May 2015

Over the past few decades, several active traffic control methods have been proposed to improve freeway efficiency at bottleneck locations. Variable speed limit (VSL) is one of these effective controls. Previous studies have evaluated VSL control, but primarily during recurrent congestion only. This study focuses on evaluating the performance of VSL control for both recurrent and non-recurrent congestion. To assess the effectiveness of a previously proposed VSL control in a real-world situation, this study has three evaluation objectives: (1) examine the control performance when recurrent and (or) non-recurrent congestion occurs; (2) assess the effectiveness of the control when a queue encounters the VSL sign; and (3) consider the impact of system detection delay in VSL control. Comparative experiments for Whitemud Drive in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, are simulated in the VISSIM platform, and traffic performance is compared among scenarios with and without control. The simulation results show that VSL improves mobility for both recurrent and non-recurrent congestion. The VSL control reduces total travel time, and improves total travel distance and total flow. Furthermore, it slows down the shockwave propagation speed, improves the average speed on most of the freeway segments, and reduces the duration of traffic recovery.
Proposal for high efficiently 1×4 power splitter based on photonic crystal waveguides
Authors: Wang Hong , He Lingjuan
Published: May 2015

We proposed a new kind of 1×4 optical power splitter composed of one input photonic crystal (PC) waveguide (PCW) and two PC branches with a triangular lattice of air holes. By employing the coupling between a defect region and one input, four output PCWs, the input power can be efficiently split into four output ports. The total transmittance as high as 99.4% at the wavelength 1550 nm is achieved. By modifying two holes at junction area, the input power can be almost evenly split into four parts with a bandwidth larger than 80 nm. It provides a new method and a compact model to split input power into multiple output ports in PCW devices and may find practical applications in future photonic integrated circuits.
Quantum state transfer in XXZ spin chains: A measurement induced transport method
Authors: Pouyandeh Sima , Shahbazi Farhad
Published: May 2015

We study the information transferring ability of a spin-1∕2 XXZ Hamiltonian for two different proposals of state transfer, namely, the well-studied attaching scenario and the recently proposed measurement induced transport. The latter one has been inspired by recent achievements in optical lattice experiments for local addressability of individual atoms and their time evolution when only local rotations and measurements are available and local control of the Hamiltonian is very limited. We show that while the both scenarios performs with almost similar quality in the case of non-interacting free fermionic XX phase, the difference become more pronounced around the isotropic Heisenberg point. Our study shows that the presence of spin-flip symmetry plays a key point in the quality of state transfer and each scenario which benefits from this symmetry transfers the quantum states with higher fidelity. In fact, for even chains this symmetry exists only for the measurement induced dynamics which then gives higher transport quality and for odd chains the spin-flip symmetry is only valid for the attaching scenarios which become more superior. We also study the effect of thermal fluctuations and environmental interactions on both scenarios.
PERCEPTIONS OF EMPLOYEE KNOWLEDGE RISKS IN MULTINATIONAL, MULTILEVEL ORGANISATIONS: MANAGING KNOWLEDGE LEAKING AND LEAVING
Authors: OLANDER HEIDI , HURMELINNA-LAUKKANEN PIA
Published: May 2015

Maintaining innovation potential means that ideas, and the people generating those ideas, should be at the firms disposal. Furthermore, the firm should be able to capture value from people's ideas. Losing these people therefore poses risks. Managing these risks is challenging, especially without intra-firm consensus on their role. This study examines how and why perceptions of severity and management of risks related to knowledge leaving and knowledge leaking differ across organisational levels and different firm locations. Depending on what types of differences are present, and why similarities and differences emerge, managers can direct their attention to different control or commitment-enhancing practices to address the risk of harmful knowledge loss and imitation. They should do this in a manner that enables them to maintain the prerequisites for future innovation and a creative work environment, while at the same time allowing global coordination and local adaptation.
ENHANCING POTENTIAL AND REALISED ABSORPTIVE CAPACITY: MACRO–MICRO DYNAMIC INTEGRATIVE DESIGN
Authors: PHOOCHAROON PALIN
Published: May 2015

Absorptive capacity has played a distinctive constructive role in fostering innovation in organisational research in recent decades. Enhancing absorptive capacity is essential to ensure a firms long-term competitiveness. The foundation of absorptive capacity relies greatly on prior related knowledge and diversity of background concerning an aggregated system that can explain how the entire mechanism works. Regarding more direct efforts to explore systematically the interdependence between existing construct variables and others new constructs to label the capabilities of a firm to enhance this capability, the outcomes remain surprisingly rare. Till date, researchers' understanding of the key macro–micro (organisation-individual) linkage of acquiring, assimilating, transforming, and exploiting development has not been examined comprehensively. Thus, the premise of this research is to propose a "macro–micro dynamic integrative design" that will shift the learning landscape of absorptive capacity that internally can drive more effective learning and capability development.
The Society-Deciders Model and Fairness in Nations
Authors: Flomenbom Ophir
Published: May 2015

Modeling the dynamics in nations from economical and sociological perspectives is a central theme in economics and sociology. Accurate models can predict and therefore help all the world's citizens. Yet, recent years have show that the current models are missing. Here, we develop a dynamical society-deciders model that can explain the stability in a nation, based on concepts from dynamics, ecology and socio-econo-physics; a nation has two groups that interconnect, the deciders and the society. We show that a nation is either stable or it collapses. This depends on just two coefficients that we relate with sociological and economical indicators. We define a new socio-economic indicator, fairness. Fairness can measure the stability in a nation and how probable a change favoring the society is. We compute fairness among all the world's nations. Interestingly, in comparison with other indicators, fairness shows that the USA loses its rank among Western democracies, India is the best among the 15 most populated nations, and Egypt, Libya and Tunisia have significantly improved their rankings as a result of recent revolutions, further increasing the probability of additional positive changes. Within the model, long lasting crises are solved rather than with increasing governmental spending or cuts with regulations that reduce the stability of the deciders, namely, increasing fairness, while, for example, shifting wealth in the direction of the people, and therefore increasing further opportunities.
The Structure and Pricing of Corporate Debt Covenants
Authors: Bradley Michael , Roberts Michael R.
Published: May 2015

We provide evidence on the covenant structure of corporate loan agreements. Building on the work of Jensen and Meckling [1976, Theory of the Firm: Managerial Behavior, Agency Costs, and Captial Structure, Journal of the Financial Economics 3, 305–360], Myers [1977, Determinants of Corporate Borrowing, Journal of Financial Economics 5, 145–147] and Smith and Warner [1979, On Financial Contracting: An Analysis of Bond Covenants, Journal of Financial Economics 7(2), 117–161]. We summarize and test the implications for what we refer to as the Agency Theory of Covenants (ATC), using a large sample of privately placed corporate debt. Our results are consistent with many of the implications of the ATC, including a negative relation between the promised yield on corporate debt and the presence of covenants. We also find that borrower and lender characteristics, as well as macroeconomic factors, determine covenant structure. Loans are more likely to include protective covenants when the borrower is small, has high growth opportunities or is highly levered. Loans made by investment banks and syndicated loans are also more likely to include protective covenants, as are loans made during recessionary periods or when credit spreads are large. Finally, we show that consistent with the ATC, firms that elect to issue private rather than public debt are smaller, have greater growth opportunities, less long-term debt, fewer tangible assets, more volatile cash flows and include more covenants in their debt agreements. An important byproduct of our analysis is to demonstrate empirically that covenant structure and the yield on corporate debt are determined simultaneously.
Thymoquinone Protects against Myocardial Ischemic Injury by Mitigating Oxidative Stress and Inflammation
Authors: Ojha Shreesh , Azimullah Sheikh , Mohanraj Rajesh , Sharma Charu , Yasin Javed , Arya Dharamvir S. , Adem Abdu
Published: May 2015

The present study was aimed at investigating the cardioprotective activity of thymoquinone (TMQ), an active principle of the herb,Nigella sativa, which is used for the management of various diseases. The present study examined the cardioprotective effect of TMQ in isoproterenol- (ISP-) induced myocardial infarction in rats. Myocardial infarction was induced by two subcutaneous injections of ISP (85 mg/kg) at an interval of 24 hr. TMQ (20 mg/kg) was administered orally for 21 days. ISP-treated rats showed depletion of antioxidants and marker enzymes from myocardium along with lipid peroxidation and enhanced levels of proinflammatory cytokines. ISP also induced histopathological alterations in myocardium. Treatment with TMQ prevented the depletion of endogenous antioxidants and myocyte injury marker enzymes and inhibited lipid peroxidation as well as reducing the levels of proinflammatory cytokines. TMQ pretreatment also reduced myonecrosis, edema, and infiltration of inflammatory cells and showed preservation of cardiomyocytes histoarchitecture. The present study results demonstrate that TMQ exerts cardioprotective effect by mitigating oxidative stress, augmenting endogenous antioxidants, and maintaining structural integrity. The results of the present study indicate that TMQ may serve as an excellent agent alone or as adjuvant to prevent the onset and progression of myocardial injury.
High Intensity Interval Training Favourably Affects Angiotensinogen mRNA Expression and Markers of Cardiorenal Health in a Rat Model of Early-Stage Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Tucker Patrick S. , Scanlan Aaron T. , Dalbo Vincent J.
Published: May 2015

The majority of CKD-related complications stem from cardiovascular pathologies such as hypertension. To help reduce cardiovascular complications, aerobic exercise is often prescribed. Emerging evidence suggests high intensity interval training (HIIT) may be more beneficial than traditional aerobic exercise. However, appraisals of varying forms of aerobic exercise, along with descriptions of mechanisms responsible for health-related improvements, are lacking. This study examined the effects of 8 weeks of HIIT (85% VO2max), versus low intensity aerobic exercise (LIT; 45–50% VO2max) and sedentary behaviour (SED), in an animal model of early-stage CKD. Tissue-specific mRNA expression of RAAS-related genes and CKD-related clinical markers were examined. Compared to SED, HIIT resulted in increased plasma albumin (p=0.001), reduced remnant kidney weight (p=0.028), and reduced kidney weight-body weight ratios (p=0.045). Compared to LIT, HIIT resulted in reducedAgtmRNA expression (p=0.035), reduced plasma LDL (p=0.001), triglycerides (p=0.029), and total cholesterol (p=0.002), increased plasma albumin (p=0.047), reduced remnant kidney weight (p=0.005), and reduced kidney weight-body weight ratios (p=0.048). These results suggest HIIT is a more potent regulator of several markers that describe and influence health in CKD.
A Discrete-Binary Transformation of the Reliability Redundancy Allocation Problem
Authors: Caserta Marco , Voß Stefan
Published: May 2015

Given a reliability redundancy optimization problem in itsdiscreteversion, it is possible to transform such integer problem into a correspondingbinaryproblem in log-time. A simple discrete-binary transformation is presented in this paper. The proposed transformation is illustrated using an example taken from the reliability literature. An immediate implication is that a standard exact dynamic programming approach may easily solve instances to optimality that were usually only solved heuristically.
The Synergistic Effect of Thermal Collectors Rotation in relation to Their Energy Efficiency and Stagnation Compared with the Static Thermal System in the Conditions of Central Europe
Authors: Rimar Miroslav , Fedak Marcel , Hatala Michal , Smeringai Peter
Published: May 2015

The presented paper deals with the issue of the efficient use of solar energy potential gained from thermal panels via tracking the Sun’s trajectory. Based on long-term measurements of the selected parameters, the efficiency of the installed system in relation to the ecliptic was evaluated in the static regime as well as in a rotary regime. In the comparison of rotary and fixed system of the collectors the presented results show an increase of the effectiveness of rotary one during the period of the day. On closer view the increase is not constant. During the day it varies: the most significant increase is in the afternoon, while the time from 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. the effectiveness of both systems almost identical. The utilisation of the rotary system as a suitable instrument for the elimination of the system stagnation was also evaluated.