bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Temptation and Self‐Control: Some Evidence and Applications
Authors: HUANG KEVIN X.D. , LIU ZHENG , ZHU JOHN QI
Published: May 2015

This paper studies the empirical relevance of temptation and self‐control using household‐level data from the Consumer Expenditure Survey. We construct an infinite‐horizon consumption‐savings model that allows, but does not require, temptation and self‐control in preferences. In the presence of temptation, a wealth–consumption ratio, in addition to consumption growth, becomes a determinant of the asset‐pricing kernel, and the importance of this additional pricing factor depends on the strength of temptation. To identify the presence of temptation, we exploit an implication of the theory that a more tempted individual should be more likely to hold commitment assets such as individual retirement account (IRA) or 401(k) accounts. Our estimation provides empirical support for temptation preferences. Based on our estimates, we explore some quantitative implications of this class of preferences for capital accumulation in a neoclassical growth model and the welfare cost of the business cycle.
Incorporating a Primary Care Practicum in Midwifery Education
Authors: Kessler Julia Lange , Phillippi Julia C.
Published: May 2015

Introduction

There is a shortage of primary care providers in the United States. As more individuals obtain health insurance coverage with the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, the number seeking care will increase dramatically. Both the Institute of Medicine and the American College of Nurse‐Midwives state that certified nurse‐midwives and certified midwives should function at their full scope of practice, which includes primary care services as delineated by the Core Competencies for Basic Midwifery Practice. Nonetheless, the percentage of midwives who self‐identify as primary care providers is decreasing. Dedicated primary care educational experiences may increase student confidence and encourage the incorporation of primary care into midwifery practice after graduation.

Methods

Midwifery students in 2 cohorts completed questionnaires before and after a dedicated primary care practicum to study changes in the perceived level of confidence in primary care provision. The students in cohort A participated in 45 hours of primary care clinical time, whereas the students in cohort B participated in 88 hours of primary care clinical time. Postclinical focus groups provided qualitative data on student perceptions and attitudes about the clinical experience. Student responses were coded by cohort and analyzed using qualitative descriptive analysis.

Results

Seventeen midwifery students from 2 cohorts completed questionnaires. Students in both cohorts reported increased perceived confidence in almost all primary care domains.

Discussion

Participation in a dedicated primary care clinical rotation increased student‐perceived confidence in primary care practice. The inclusion of designated primary care clinical education in nurse‐midwifery education may contribute to meeting the national need for primary care providers. This article is part of a special series of articles that address midwifery innovations in clinical practice, education, interprofessional collaboration, health policy, and global health.
Improving executive function using transcranial infrared laser stimulation
Authors: Blanco Nathaniel J. , Maddox W. Todd , Gonzalez‐Lima Francisco
Published: May 2015

Transcranial infrared laser stimulation is a new non‐invasive form of low‐level light therapy that may have a wide range of neuropsychological applications. It entails using low‐power and high‐energy‐density infrared light from lasers to increase metabolic energy. Preclinical work showed that this intervention can increase cortical metabolic energy, thereby improving frontal cortex‐based memory function in rats. Barrett and Gonzalez‐Lima (2013, Neuroscience, 230, 13) discovered that transcranial laser stimulation can enhance sustained attention and short‐term memory in humans. We extend this line of work to executive function. Specifically, we ask whether transcranial laser stimulation enhances performance in the Wisconsin Card Sorting Task that is considered the gold standard of executive function and is compromised in normal ageing and a number of neuropsychological disorders. We used a laser of a specific wavelength (1,064 nm) that photostimulates cytochrome oxidase – the enzyme catalysing oxygen consumption for metabolic energy production. Increased cytochrome oxidase activity is considered the primary mechanism of action of this intervention. Participants who received laser treatment made fewer errors and showed improved set‐shifting ability relative to placebo controls. These results suggest that transcranial laser stimulation improves executive function and may have exciting potential for treating or preventing deficits resulting from neuropsychological disorders or normal ageing.
The innervation of the zebrafish pharyngeal jaws and teeth
Authors: Crucke Jeroen , Van de Kelft Annelore , Huysseune Ann
Published: May 2015

Zebrafish (Danio rerio) teeth are increasingly used as a model to study odontogenesis in non‐mammalians. Using serial semi‐thin section histology and immunohistochemistry, the nerves innervating the pharyngeal jaws and teeth have been identified. The last pair of branchial arches, which are non‐gill bearing but which carry the teeth, are innervated by an internal branch of a post‐trematic ramus of the vagal nerve. Another, external, branch is probably responsible for the motor innervation of the branchiomeric musculature. Nerve fibres appear in the pulp cavity of the teeth only late during cytodifferentiation, and are therefore likely not involved in early steps of tooth formation. The precise role of the nervous system during continuous tooth replacement remains to be determined. Nonetheless, this study provides the necessary morphological background information to address this question.
Experience of fetoscopic laser photocoagulation and cord transection for twin‐reversed arterial perfusion sequence
Authors: Takano Mayumi , Murata Susumu , Fujiwara Michihisa , Hirata Hiroko , Nakata Masahiko
Published: May 2015

Aim

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of fetoscopic laser photocoagulation of placental communicating vessels or umbilical cord for twin‐reversed arterial perfusion (TRAP) sequence.

Material and Methods

We report a retrospective case series of all cases of TRAP sequence identified from 2006 to 2014 at out institutions. Fetoscopic laser photocoagulation of placental arterioarterial and venovenous anastomoses was performed in diamniotic twins, and in cases of monoamniotic twins we performed laser photocoagulation and transection of the umbilical cord of the acardiac twin to prevent cord entanglement. Pregnancy and perinatal outcomes were estimated.

Results

Ten cases were included in the study. The median gestational age at procedure was 21.3 weeks (range, 16.7–27.3 weeks). All cases completed the procedure. Two cases were treated with laser photocoagulation and transection of the umbilical cord of the acardiac twin. No major immediate complications were noted. Preterm rupture of membranes occurred in four cases (40%). One case resulted in miscarriage. The other fetuses were delivered alive. Median gestational age at delivery was 35.4 weeks (range, 25.6–42.0 weeks). Median interval of treatment to delivery was 85 days (range, 43–153 days). Five out four infants were delivered preterm. The overall neonatal survival was 9/10.

Conclusion

This case series demonstrated favorable outcome, and fetoscopic laser photocoagulation seems to be a useful treatment for TRAP sequence. In particular, transection of the umbilical cord is effective to prevent cord entanglement of monoamniotic twins.
Change in Chemical Composition of Sweet Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) Essential Oil Caused by Alfalfa mosaic virus
Authors: Bruni Renato , Bellardi Maria Grazia , Parrella Giuseppe
Published: May 2015

The effects of Alfalfa mosaic virus (AMV) infection on essential oil (EO) content and composition of a Sweet Basil cv. Gigante di Napoli were evaluated. A 10‐fold lower extraction yield from infected plants was observed, suggesting that morphological alterations induced by the disease may affect abundance and efficacy of secretive tissues. Organoleptic properties and thus quality of EO were severely affected and EO composition resulted severely altered, with a great increase in sesquiterpenes (from 72.8 to 19.8%) and a decrease in both monoterpenes (from 35 to 11%) and phenylpropanoids (from 44.5 to 15.8%, despite a slight increase in eugenol). Such report is indicative of possible direct or indirect metabolic consequences of AMV in a commercially important species like Ocimum basilicum is. The possible consequences of linalool and trans‐β‐farnesene content changes on the dispersion of viruliferous aphids are also examined and discussed.
Occurrence of Charcoal Rot Caused by Macrophomina phaseolina, an Emerging Disease of Adzuki Bean in China
Authors: Sun Suli , Wang Xiaoming , Zhu Zhendong , Wang Bin , Wang Meng
Published: May 2015

Adzuki bean (Vigna angularis) is an important legume crop in China. Soil‐borne charcoal rot caused by Macrophomina phaseolina (Tassi) Goid is an important and devastating disease of many crops including legumes. During late August and early September, 2014, symptoms similar to charcoal rot were observed on adzuki bean plants in Yulin City of Shanxi Province, and Fangshan County of Beijing, China. This study was conducted to determine the causal agent of the emerging disease on adzuki bean. Four fungal isolates were obtained and identified as M. phaseolina based on morphological and molecular characteristics, including species‐specific primer detection and sequences of internal transcribed spacer (ITS) of nuclear ribosomal DNA. The resulting sequences showed 99% identity with more than 60 M. phaseolina strains from diverse hosts. The virulence on adzuki bean was verified using pathogenicity tests, producing symptoms similar to those observed in the fields. To our knowledge, this is the first report of M. phaseolina causing charcoal rot on adzuki bean.
Soluble carbohydrates and relative growth rates in chloro‐, cyano‐ and cephalolichens: effects of temperature and nocturnal hydration
Authors: Alam Md Azharul , Gauslaa Yngvar , Solhaug Knut Asbjørn
Published: May 2015

This growth chamber experiment evaluates how temperature and humidity regimes shape soluble carbohydrate pools and growth rates in lichens with different photobionts.

We assessed soluble carbohydrates, relative growth rates (RGRs) and relative thallus area growth rates (RTAGRs) in Parmelia sulcata (chlorolichen), Peltigera canina (cyanolichen) and Peltigera aphthosa (cephalolichen) cultivated for 14 d (150 μmol m−2 s−1; 12‐h photoperiod) at four day : night temperatures (28 : 23°C, 20 : 15°C, 13 : 8°C, 6 : 1°C) and two hydration regimes (hydration during the day, dry at night; hydration day : night).

The major carbohydrates were mannitol (cephalolichen), glucose (cyanolichen) and arabitol (chlorolichen). Mannitol occurred in all species. During cultivation, total carbohydrate pools decreased in cephalo‐/cyanolichens, but increased in the chlorolichen. Carbohydrates varied less than growth with temperature and humidity. All lichens grew rapidly, particularly at 13 : 8°C. RGRs and RTAGRs were significantly higher in lichens hydrated for 24 h than for 12 h. Strong photoinhibition occurred in cephalo‐ and cyanolichens kept in cool dry nights, resulting in positive relationships between RGR and dark‐adapted photosystem II (PSII) efficiency (Fv/Fm).

RGR increased significantly with the photobiont‐specific carbohydrate pools within all species. Average RGR peaked in the chlorolichen lowest in total and photobiont carbohydrates. Nocturnal hydration improved recovery from photoinhibition and/or enhanced conversion rates of photosynthates into growth.
Identifying Residents' Health Issues Six Weeks after the Great East Japan Earthquake
Authors: Teramoto Chie , Nagata Satoko , Okamoto Reiko , Suzuki Ruriko , Kishi Emiko , Nomura Michie , Jojima Noriko , Nishida Masumi , Koide Keiko , Kusano Emiko , Iwamoto Saori , Murashima Sachiyo
Published: May 2015

Objective

The aim of this study was to identify the characteristics and health issues of residents in need of assistance in a town affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake, six weeks after the disaster, through an outreach initiative.

Design and Sample

A cross‐sectional qualitative design was used. Public health nurses conducted comprehensive semi‐structured interviews during home visits with residents. A total of 5,082 residents from the affected town.

Measures

These included demographic information, public records of the extent of the damages, and qualitative interview data to determine the urgency of the necessary interventions.

Results

A total of 281 residents needed some kind of assistance and were identified as “requiring early intervention (within two weeks)” or “requiring assistance (within 12 weeks).” The most common health issue requiring early intervention was “interruption of treatment” (25.0%), followed by “need for mental care.” The most frequent health issue requiring assistance within 12 weeks was the “need for mental health care” (39.7%), followed by “interruption of treatment,” and “need for nursing care.”

Conclusions

During a disaster, it is imperative to identify cases requiring early intervention. Home‐visit interviews were necessary to identify existing health concerns to prevent the development of more serious health problems.
Red blood cell antigen genotype analysis for 9087 Asian, Asian American, and Native American blood donors
Authors: Delaney Meghan , Harris Samantha , Haile Askale , Johnsen Jill , Teramura Gayle , Nelson Karen
Published: May 2015

BACKGROUND

There has yet to be a comprehensive analysis of blood group antigen prevalence in Asian Americans and Native Americans. There may be ethnic differences in blood group frequencies that would result in clinically important mismatches through transfusion.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Blood donors who self‐identified as Asian or Native American were tested using a single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) DNA array (HEA BeadChip kit, Bioarray Solutions Ltd) that predicts expression of 38 human erythrocyte antigens (HEAs) and by serology for ABO, D, C, M, N, Jka, and Jkb. The prevalence of blood group antigens was compared to published European prevalence. Discrepancies between SNP‐predicted and serology‐detected antigens were tallied.

RESULTS

A total of 9087 blood donors were tested from nine Asian and Native American heritages. The predicted prevalence of selected antigens in the RHCE, JK, FY, MNS, LU, CO, and DO blood group systems were variable between Asian populations, but overall not significantly different than Europeans. Compared to European frequencies, Kell blood group allele frequencies were significantly different in the Chinese, Native American, Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, South Asian, and Southeast Asian heritage blood donors; Diego antigens Dia and Dib were different in donors of Native American and South Asian ancestries (p < 0.05). Of the donors tested, 4.5% showed a SNP‐serology discrepancy that segregated within specific ethnic groups.

CONCLUSION

This study provides HEA allele frequency and antigen prevalence data in a cohort of Asian and Native Americans donors. Several ethnic groups exhibited differences in HEA frequencies compared to Europeans. Genotype‐serotype discrepancies were detected in all systems studied.
Acute hemolytic transfusion reaction due to anti‐Leb
Authors: Irani Mehraboon S. , Figueroa Dolores , Savage Gail
Published: May 2015

BACKGROUND

Anti‐Leb is usually a clinically insignificant antibody of immunoglobulin M subclass most often found in the sera of pregnant women or individuals that are Le(a–b–). We report a case of an acute hemolytic transfusion reaction due to a hemolytic anti‐Leb that was not seen in the pretransfusion antibody detection test, but was strongly reactive in posttransfusion testing.

CASE REPORT

A 30‐year‐old African‐American woman with metastatic renal cell carcinoma was receiving chemotherapy. She was anemic with hemoglobin (Hb) of 7.2 g/dL and had a negative antibody detection test by the solid‐phase red blood cell adherence method. She was transfused with 2 RBC units without incident. Nine days later her Hb was 7.9 g/dL again with a negative antibody detection test. Transfusion of an additional RBC unit was begun. During the transfusion she developed chills, nausea, hypertension, and red‐brown urine. The posttransfusion sample plasma was grossly hemolyzed with a strongly positive direct antiglobulin test (DAT) by gel. By comparison the pretransfusion plasma was normal appearing and the DAT was weaker. The eluate was negative on both occasions. Anti‐Leb was detected in the posttransfusion sample by MTS gel (Ortho Diagnostics). Both RBC units she had received before the RBC unit that caused the reaction were Le(b+) as was the implicated RBC unit.

CONCLUSION

This case illustrates that anti‐Leb which is usually clinically insignificant can occasionally cause severe hemolytic transfusion reactions. Only three other reported cases of anti‐Leb causing hemolytic transfusion reactions could be found in the literature, two of which were in abstract form only.
Tow Forces for Emergency Towing of Containerships
Authors: Shigunov Vladimir , Schellin Thomas E.
Published: May 2015

For a series of five containerships of differing capacities (707, 3400, 5300, 14,000, and 18,000 TEU), systematic computations were performed to estimate the tow force required in an emergency. Time-average ship positions with respect to the given waves, wind, and current directions and the corresponding time-average forces were considered. Current speed was considered to include also towing speed. Directionally aligned as well as not aligned wind and waves were investigated. Wave height, wind speed, and wave and wind direction relative to current direction were systematically varied. Wind speeds based on the Beaufort wind force scale corresponded to significant wave heights for a fully arisen sea. Waves were assumed to be irregular short-crested seaways described by a Joint North Sea Wave Observation Project (JONSWAP) spectrum with peak parameter 3.3 and cosine squared directional spreading. For each combination of current speed, wave direction, significant wave height, and peak wave period, the required tow force and the associated drift angle were calculated. Tow force calculations were based on the solution of equilibrium equations in the horizontal plane. A Reynolds-Averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) solver obtained current and wind forces and moments; and a Rankine source-patch method, drift forces and moments in waves. Tow forces accounted for steady (calm-water) hydrodynamic forces and moments, constant wind forces and moments, and time-average wave drift forces and moments. Rudder and propeller forces and towline forces were neglected.
Simulation of Plasto-Elastohydrodynamic Lubrication in Line Contacts of Infinite and Finite Length
Authors: He Tao , Wang Jiaxu , Wang Zhanjiang , Zhu Dong
Published: May 2015

Line contact is common in many machine components, such as various gears, roller and needle bearings, and cams and followers. Traditionally, line contact is modeled as a two-dimensional (2D) problem when the surfaces are assumed to be smooth or treated stochastically. In reality, however, surface roughness is usually three-dimensional (3D) in nature, so that a 3D model is needed when analyzing contact and lubrication deterministically. Moreover, contact length is often finite, and realistic geometry may possibly include a crowning in the axial direction and round corners or chamfers at two ends. In the present study, plasto-elastohydrodynamic lubrication (PEHL) simulations for line contacts of both infinite and finite length have been conducted, taking into account the effects of surface roughness and possible plastic deformation, with a 3D model that is needed when taking into account the realistic contact geometry and the 3D surface topography. With this newly developed PEHL model, numerical cases are analyzed in order to reveal the PEHL characteristics in different types of line contact.
The three-dimensional inverse-scattering and inverse-source problems with a planar aperture
Authors: Norton Stephen J.
Published: May 2015

When signals are recorded on a planar aperture with point emitters/detectors, from either a three-dimensional (3D) scattering potential or from a 3D spatially-incoherent source distribution, an integral equation arises containing the product of two Green's functions in the weak scattering limit (the Born approximation). This fundamental imaging equation for scatterers or sources is derived and solved analytically.
Mapping probability of shipping sound exposure level
Authors: Gervaise Cédric , Aulanier Florian , Simard Yvan , Roy Nathalie
Published: May 2015

Mapping vessel noise is emerging as one method of identifying areas where sound exposure due to shipping noise could have negative impacts on aquatic ecosystems. The probability distribution function (pdf) of sound exposure levels (SEL) is an important metric for identifying areas of concern. In this paper a probabilistic shipping SEL modeling method is described to obtain the pdf of SEL using the sonar equation and statistical relations linking the pdfs of ship traffic density, source levels, and transmission losses to their products and sums.
Controlling the perceived distance of an auditory object by manipulation of loudspeaker directivity
Authors: Laitinen Mikko-Ville , Politis Archontis , Huhtakallio Ilkka , Pulkki Ville
Published: May 2015

This work presents a method to control the perceived distance of an auditory object by changing the directivity pattern of a loudspeaker and consequently the direct-to-reverberant ratio at the listening spot. Control of the directivity pattern is achieved by beamforming using a compact multi-driver loudspeaker unit. A small-sized cubic array consisting of six drivers is assembled, and per driver beamforming filters are derived from directional measurements of the array. The proposed method is evaluated using formal listening tests. The results show that the perceived distance can be controlled effectively by directivity pattern modification.
Mach stem formation in reflection and focusing of weak shock acoustic pulses
Authors: Karzova Maria M. , Khokhlova Vera A. , Salze Edouard , Ollivier Sébastien , Blanc-Benon Philippe
Published: May 2015

The aim of this study is to show the evidence of Mach stem formation for very weak shock waves with acoustic Mach numbers on the order of 10−3 to 10−2. Two representative cases are considered: reflection of shock pulses from a rigid surface and focusing of nonlinear acoustic beams. Reflection experiments are performed in air using spark-generated shock pulses. Shock fronts are visualized using a schlieren system. Both regular and irregular types of reflection are observed. Numerical simulations are performed to demonstrate the Mach stem formation in the focal region of periodic and pulsed nonlinear beams in water.
How Do Sports Organizations Use Social Media to Build Relationships? A Content Analysis of NBA Clubs’ Twitter Use
Authors: Wang Yuan , Zhou Shuhua
Published: May 2015

Social media have been increasingly used by sports organizations to communicate with the public. This study explored the Twitter-using practices of National Basketball Association (NBA) clubs (N = 30) in the U.S. in building relationships with their fans during the 2013–14 season. Specifically, it focused on how these clubs used Twitter to build professional, personal, and community relationships through a content analysis of 5,561 tweets on their official Twitter sites. The results suggested that NBA clubs tended to use social media to develop professional relationships with their publics via sharing information and promoting products. There were significant relationships between relationship dimensions and the number of retweets and favorites from Twitter followers. Sports organizations should use social media effectively to strengthen the professional, personal, and community relationships with their publics.
Supervising International Graduate Students in Sport Management: Perspectives of Experienced Advisors
Authors: Danylchuk Karen , Baker Robert , Pitts Brenda , Zhang James
Published: May 2015

This study examined the perspectives of sport management academicians regarding their experiences supervising international graduate students. Fifteen experts were interviewed and provided their perspectives on practices used in international student involvement—specifically, student identification, recruitment, acceptance, orientation, progress, and retention, and the inherent challenges and benefits. The primary challenges cited by the majority of participants were language and cultural differences in learning; however, all participants concurred that the benefits of supervising international students far outweighed the challenges. These benefits included, but were not limited to, bringing international and global perspectives into the learning environment, which was positive for both students and professors. Findings from this study may provide program administration with insights on key factors affecting the quality of delivery of sport management education to international students. Consequently, high-quality programs can be developed to meet the needs of students from diverse cultural and educational backgrounds.
The endangered palates list
Authors: Larson Christina
Published: May 2015

Climate change threatens crops beloved for rich flavors rather than caloric content.
Engram cells retain memory under retrograde amnesia
Authors: Ryan Tomás J. , Roy Dheeraj S. , Pignatelli Michele , Arons Autumn , Tonegawa Susumu
Published: May 2015

Experimental recovery from retrograde amnesia

When memory researchers induce amnesia, they normally assume that the manipulations prevent the memory engram from effective encoding at consolidation. In accordance with this, Ryan
et al.
found that after the injection of protein synthesis inhibitors, animals could not retrieve a memory. However, to their surprise, the memory could nevertheless be reactivated by light-induced activation of the neurons tagged during conditioning. Increased synaptic strength that is the result of cellular consolidation is thus not a critical requisite for storing a memory.

Science
, this issue p.
1007
Digitizing the biosphere
Biocode The New Age of Genomics
Dawn Field and Neil Davies
Oxford University Press, 2015. 208 pp.
Authors: Goldman Michael A.
Published: May 2015

Will sequencing every organism on Earth safeguard against the next mass extinction?
Obtaining optical properties on demand
Authors: Zheludev Nikolay I.
Published: May 2015

Reconfigurable metamaterials provide a flexible platform for nanophotonic technology
Watchdogs of the European system
Authors: Wilsdon James
Published: May 2015

Henry Kissinger, as U.S Secretary of State, is famously said to have asked: “If I want to call Europe, who do I call?” Until recently, the scientific community thought it had an answer to this question: the chief scientific adviser (CSA) to the president of the European Commission (EC). Two weeks ago, that changed.
Detection of pathological biomarkers in human clinical samples via amplifying genetic switches and logic gates
Authors: Courbet Alexis , Endy Drew , Renard Eric , Molina Franck , Bonnet Jérôme
Published: May 2015

With the use of digital genetic amplifiers and logic gates, prototype whole-cell biosensors can be engineered to detect diagnostic biomarkers in complex human clinical samples.
Shaping mycolactone for therapeutic use against inflammatory disorders
Authors: Guenin-Macé Laure , Baron Ludivine , Chany Anne-Caroline , Tresse Cédric , Saint-Auret Sarah , Jönsson Friederike , Le Chevalier Fabien , Bruhns Pierre , Bismuth Georges , Hidalgo-Lucas Sophie , Bisson Jean-François , Blanchard Nicolas , Demangel Caroline
Published: May 2015

A synthetic mycobacterial macrolide mycolactone decreases skin inflammation and inflammatory pain.
Convergence of stroke and Alzheimer's neurovascular research
Authors: Janson Christopher G.
Published: May 2015

Edaravone, a small-molecule drug already in use outside the United States for stroke, reverses Alzheimer's pathology in a transgenic mouse model.
Development and Evaluation of Novel Real-Time Reverse Transcription-PCR Assays with Locked Nucleic Acid Probes Targeting Leader Sequences of Human-Pathogenic Coronaviruses
Authors: Chan Jasper Fuk-Woo , Choi Garnet Kwan-Yue , Tsang Alan Ka-Lun , Tee Kah-Meng , Lam Ho-Yin , Yip Cyril Chik-Yan , To Kelvin Kai-Wang , Cheng Vincent Chi-Chung , Yeung Man-Lung , Lau Susanna Kar-Pui , Woo Patrick Chiu-Yat , Chan Kwok-Hung , Tang Bone Siu-Fai , Yuen Kwok-Yung
Published: May 2015

Based on findings in small RNA-sequencing (Seq) data analysis, we developed highly sensitive and specific real-time reverse transcription (RT)-PCR assays with locked nucleic acid probes targeting the abundantly expressed leader sequences of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) and other human coronaviruses. Analytical and clinical evaluations showed their noninferiority to a commercial multiplex PCR test for the detection of these coronaviruses.
Dark Matter of the Biosphere: the Amazing World of Bacteriophage Diversity
Authors: Hatfull Graham F.
Published: May 2015

Bacteriophages are the most abundant biological entities in the biosphere, and this dynamic and old population is, not surprisingly, highly diverse genetically. Relative to bacterial genomics, phage genomics has advanced slowly, and a higher-resolution picture of the phagosphere is only just emerging. This view reveals substantial diversity even among phages known to infect a common host strain, but the relationships are complex, with mosaic genomic architectures generated by illegitimate recombination over a long period of evolutionary history.
Ea versus Sham Acupuncture and no Acupuncture for the Control of Acute and Delayed Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting: A Pilot Study
Authors: McKeon Chris , Smith Caroline A , Gibbons Kristen , Hardy Janet , Haugstetter Corrine , Anderson Helen
Published: May 2015

Objective

To assess the feasibility of undertaking a high-quality randomised controlled study to determine whether EA gives better control of delayed chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) than sham EA or standard antiemetic treatment alone.

Methods

Patients having their first cycle of moderately or highly emetogenic chemotherapy were randomised to EA, sham EA or standard care. EA was given for 30 min on day 1 at the time of chemotherapy and on day 3 using standard acupuncture points bilaterally. Sham EA was given to points adjacent to true EA points. All patients received usual care, comprising antiemetics, according to hospital guidelines. The primary outcomes related to study feasibility, and the clinical outcome measure was the change in Functional Living Index Emesis (FLIE) score captured on days 1 and 7.

Results

153 participants were screened between April 2009 and May 2011. Eighteen patients did not meet the inclusion criteria, 37 declined to participate and the absence of an acupuncturist or lack of consent from the treating oncologist excluded a further 38 patients; 60 patients were recruited. The FLIE was completed on day 7 by 49 participants; 33 of 40 patients returned on day 3 for treatment. The nausea and vomiting scores were low in all three arms. Adverse events were generally mild and infrequent.

Conclusions

It was feasible to undertake a randomised EA trial on a busy day oncology unit. As few patients experienced nausea with their first cycle of chemotherapy, it was not possible to determine whether EA improves CINV over standard care. An enriched enrolment strategy is indicated for future studies. A simple numerical rating scale may prove a better objective nausea measure than the FLIE.

Trial Registration Number

ACTRN12609001054202.
Proliferative diabetic retinopathy in typical retinitis pigmentosa
Authors: Preethi Srinivasaraghavan , Rajalakshmi Adithyapuram Ramachandran
Published: May 2015

A 39-year-old woman with typical retinitis pigmentosa (RP) for 9 years and a positive family history of night blindness was diagnosed with diabetes mellitus (DM). She developed proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) during the course of disease. She was promptly managed with pan retinal photocoagulation (PRP). PDR developing in a case of typical RP is extremely rare and has not been reported in the literature to date. Recognition of this rare, vision threatening complication, points out a definite need to further look deep into the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy.
Hypertrophic pachymeningitis with sarcoidosis: a rare cause of craniocervical compression
Authors: Subrati Nagina , Vaqas Babar , Peterson David , Patel Maneesh C
Published: May 2015

We describe a case of a 58-year-old woman with a suspected dural tumour. She presented with progressive pyramidal weakness. MRI confirmed compression of the medulla oblongata and spinal cord at the level of C1–3. The localised dural mass lesion homogenously enhanced on T1 MRI and was considered most likely to be a meningioma. Incidentally, CT scan of the chest revealed peribronchial soft tissue thickening, suggestive of pulmonary sarcoidosis. Owing to the progressive nature of her weakness, she had a posterior occipitocervical decompression with a C1–3 laminectomy and resection of the thickened dura. Histology showed densely collagenous tissue with scanty psammoma bodies and multinucleate giant cells, consistent with hypertrophic pachymeningitis (HP)—a rare, chronic inflammatory condition, characterised by thickening and fibrosis of the dura. This case demonstrates that masses in the craniocervical junction can be varied in pathology and when there is evidence of systemic inflammation, HP should be considered.
Low-residue breakfast during the preparation for colonoscopy using a polyethylene glycol electrolyte solution: a randomised non-inferiority trial
Authors: Flemming Jennifer A , Green Jordan , Melicharkova Andrea , Vanner Stephen , Hookey Lawrence
Published: May 2015

Goals

To test the hypothesis that the use of a low-residue breakfast (LRB) the day prior to colonoscopy was not inferior to consuming clear fluids alone (CFD) in patients undergoing outpatient colonoscopy with a polyethylene glycol (PEG) bowel preparation.

Background

Optimal colon cleansing is essential for complete visualisation of the mucosa during colonoscopy. Few studies have examined the effect of diet on the quality of bowel cleansing or tolerance in patients using a PEG bowel preparation for colonoscopy.

Methods

Randomised, single-blinded non-inferiority trial. Adult patients scheduled for outpatient colonoscopy with PEG solution were randomised to an LRB followed by clear fluids or CFD using either a traditional or split-dose PEG solution for bowel preparation. The primary outcome was colon cleansing based on the Ottawa Bowel Preparation Score (OBPS).

Results

On an intention-to-treat (ITT) basis, a total of 109 and 105 patients were included in the CFD and LRB arms, respectively, with 116 and 98 patients, respectively, for the per-protocol (PP) analysis. Although there was no difference in the mean total OBPS between the CFD or LRB arms in either the ITT or PP analysis, the threshold for non-inferiority was not met. Patient acceptance of the regimens was higher in the LRB arm than in the CFD arm in the ITT and PP analyses.

Conclusions

This study failed to show the non-inferiority of an LRB in patients receiving bowel preparation with a PEG-based solution. A CFD should be prescribed when using a PEG bowel preparation.

Trial registration number

This trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT01454388).
Republished: Sinus thrombectomy for purulent cerebral venous sinus thrombosis utilizing a novel combination of the Trevo stent retriever and the Penumbra ACE aspiration catheter: the stent anchor with mobile aspiration technique
Authors: Mascitelli Justin R , Pain Margaret , Zarzour Hekmat K , Baxter Peter , Ghatan Saadi , Mocco J
Published: May 2015

Intracranial complications of sinusitis are rare but life threatening. We present a case of a 17-year-old woman with sinusitis who deteriorated over the course of 12 days from subdural empyema and global purulent cerebral venous sinus thrombosis. The patient was managed with surgery and mechanical thrombectomy utilizing a novel ‘stent anchor with mobile aspiration technique’, in which a Trevo stent retriever (Stryker) was anchored in the superior sagittal sinus (SSS) while a 5 MAX ACE reperfusion catheter (Penumbra) was passed back and forth from the SSS to the sigmoid sinus with resultant dramatic improvement in venous outflow. The patient was extubated on postoperative day 3 and was discharged with minimal lower extremity weakness on postoperative day 11. This is the first report using the Trevo stent retriever for sinus thrombosis. It is important to keep these rare complications in mind when evaluating patients with oral and facial infections.
Quasilinear reformulation of Lovelock gravity
Authors: Willison Steven
Published: May 2015

Here, we give an extended review of the quasilinear reformulation of the Lovelock gravitational field equations in harmonic gauge presented by Willison [Class. Quantum Grav.32 (2015) 022001]. This is important in order to establish rigorously well-posedness of the theory perturbed about certain backgrounds. The resulting system is not quasidiagonal, therefore analysis of causality is complicated in general. The conditions for the equations to be Leray hyperbolic are elucidated. The relevance to some recent results regarding the stability analysis of black holes is presented.
Creation of particles in a cyclic universe driven by loop quantum cosmology
Authors: Tavakoli Yaser , Fabris Júlio C.
Published: May 2015

We consider an isotropic and homogeneous universe in loop quantum cosmology (LQC). We assume that the matter content of the universe is dominated by dust matter in early time and a phantom matter at late time which constitutes the dark energy component. The quantum gravity modifications to the Friedmann equation in this model indicate that the classical big bang singularity and the future big rip singularity are resolved and are replaced by quantum bounce. It turns out that the big bounce and recollapse in the herein model contribute to a cyclic scenario for the universe. We then study the quantum theory of a massive, nonminimally coupled scalar field undergoing cosmological evolution from primordial bounce towards the late time bounce. In particular, we solve the Klein–Gordon equation for the scalar field in the primordial and late time regions, in order to investigate particle production phenomena at late time. By computing the energy density of created particles at late time, we show that this density is negligible in comparison to the quantum background density at Planck era. This indicates that the effects of quantum particle production do not influence the future bounce.
Essential circles and Gromov–Hausdorff convergence of covers
Authors: Plaut Conrad , Wilkins Jay
Published: May 2015

The [Formula: see text]-covers of Sormani–Wei ([20]) are known not to be “closed” with respect to Gromov–Hausdorff convergence. In this paper we use the essential circles introduced in [19] to define a larger class of covering maps of compact geodesic spaces called “circle covers” that are “closed” with respect to Gromov–Hausdorff convergence and include [Formula: see text]-covers. In fact, we use circle covers to completely understand the limiting behavior of [Formula: see text]-covers. The proofs use the descrete homotopy methods developed by Berestovskii, Plaut, and Wilkins, and in fact we show that when [Formula: see text], the Sormani–Wei [Formula: see text]-cover is isometric to the Berestovskii–Plaut–Wilkins [Formula: see text]-cover. Of possible independent interest, our arguments involve showing that “almost isometries” between compact geodesic spaces result in explicitly controlled quasi-isometries between their [Formula: see text]-covers. Finally, we use essential circles to strengthen a theorem of E. Cartan by finding a new (even for compact Riemannian manifolds) finite set of generators of the fundamental group of a semilocally simply connected compact geodesic space. We conjecture that there is always a generating set of this sort having minimal cardinality among all generating sets.
STIM and Orai proteins as novel targets for cancer therapy. A Review in the Theme: Cell and Molecular Processes in Cancer Metastasis
Authors: Vashisht Ayushi , Trebak Mohamed , Motiani Rajender K.
Published: May 2015

Calcium (Ca2+) regulates a plethora of cellular functions including hallmarks of cancer development such as cell cycle progression and cellular migration. Receptor-regulated calcium rise in nonexcitable cells occurs through store-dependent as well as store-independent Ca2+ entry pathways. Stromal interaction molecules (STIM) and Orai proteins have been identified as critical constituents of both these Ca2+ influx pathways. STIMs and Orais have emerged as targets for cancer therapeutics as their altered expression and function have been shown to contribute to tumorigenesis. Recent data demonstrate that they play a vital role in development and metastasis of a variety of tumor types including breast, prostate, cervical, colorectal, brain, and skin tumors. In this review, we will retrospect the data supporting a key role for STIM1, STIM2, Orai1, and Orai3 proteins in tumorigenesis and discuss the potential of targeting these proteins for cancer therapy.
Anatomical organization of the rat organum vasculosum laminae terminalis
Authors: Prager-Khoutorsky Masha , Bourque Charles W.
Published: May 2015

The organum vasculosum of the laminae terminalis (OVLT) is a circumventricular organ located along the ventral part of the anterior wall of the third ventricle. Because it lacks a complete blood-brain barrier (BBB), blood-borne signals detected in the OVLT provide the brain with information from the periphery and contribute to the generation of centrally mediated responses to humoral feedback and physiological stressors. Experimental studies on the rat OVLT are hindered by a poor understanding of its precise anatomical dimensions and cellular organization. In this study, we use histological techniques to characterize the spatial outline of the rat OVLT and to examine the location of neurons, astrocytes, tanycytes, and ependymocytes within its confines. Our data reveal that OVLT neurons are embedded in a dense network of tanycyte processes. Immunostaining against the neuronal marker NeuN revealed that neurons are distributed throughout the OVLT, except for a thick midline septum, which comprises densely packed cells of unknown function or lineage. Moreover, the most ventral aspect of the OVLT is devoid of neurons and is occupied by a dense network of glial cell processes that form a thick layer between the neurons and the pial surface on the ventral aspect of the nucleus. Lastly, combined detection of NeuN and c-Fos protein following systemic injection of hypertonic NaCl revealed that neurons responsive to this stimulus are located along the entire midline core of the OVLT, extending from its most anterior ventral aspect to the more caudally located “dorsal cap” region.
Complementary expression and phosphorylation of Cx46 and Cx50 during development and following gene deletion in mouse and in normal and orchitic mink testes
Authors: Pelletier R.-Marc , Akpovi Casimir D. , Chen Li , Kumar Nalin M. , Vitale María L.
Published: May 2015

Gap junction-mediated communication helps synchronize interconnected Sertoli cell activities. Besides, coordination of germ cell and Sertoli cell activities depends on gap junction-mediated Sertoli cell–germ cell communication. This report assesses mechanisms underlying the regulation of connexin 46 (Cx46) and Cx50 in mouse testis and those accompanying a “natural” seasonal and a pathological arrest of spermatogenesis, resulting from autoimmune orchitis (AIO) in mink. Furthermore, the impact of deleting Cx46 or Cx50 on the expression, phosphorylation of junction proteins, and spermatogenesis is evaluated. Cx46 mRNA and protein expression increased, whereas Cx50 decreased with adulthood in normal mice and mink. Cx46 mRNA and protein expression increased, whereas Cx50 decreased with adulthood in normal mice and mink. During the mink active spermatogenic phase, Cx50 became phosphorylated and localized to the site of the blood-testis barrier. By contrast, Cx46 was dephosphorylated and associated with annular junctions, suggesting phosphorylation/dephosphorylation of Cx46 and Cx50 involvement in the barrier dynamics. Cx46-positive annular junctions in contact with lipid droplets were found. Cx46 and Cx50 expression and localization were altered in mink with AIO. The deletion of Cx46 or Cx50 impacted on other connexin expression and phosphorylation and differently affected tight and adhering junction protein expression. The level of apoptosis, determined by ELISA, and a number of Apostain-labeled spermatocytes and spermatids/tubules were higher in mice lacking Cx46 ( Cx46−/−) than wild-type and Cx50−/− mice, arguing for life-sustaining Cx46 gap junction-mediated exchanges in late-stage germ cells secluded from the blood by the barrier. The data show that expression and phosphorylation of Cx46 and Cx50 are complementary in seminiferous tubules.
Myocardial performance and adaptive energy pathways in a torpid mammalian hibernator
Authors: Heinis Frazer I. , Vermillion Katie L. , Andrews Matthew T. , Metzger Joseph M.
Published: May 2015

The hearts of mammalian hibernators maintain contractile function in the face of severe environmental stresses during winter heterothermy. To enable survival in torpor, hibernators regulate the expression of numerous genes involved in excitation-contraction coupling, metabolism, and stress response pathways. Understanding the basis of this transition may provide new insights into treatment of human cardiac disease. Few studies have investigated hibernator heart performance during both summer active and winter torpid states, and seasonal comparisons of whole heart function are generally lacking. We investigated the force-frequency relationship and the response to ex vivo ischemia-reperfusion in intact isolated hearts from 13-lined ground squirrels ( Ictidomys tridecemlineatus) in the summer (active, July) and winter (torpid, January). In standard euthermic conditions, we found that winter hearts relaxed more rapidly than summer hearts at low to moderate pacing frequencies, even though systolic function was similar in both seasons. Proteome data support the hypothesis that enhanced Ca2+handling in winter torpid hearts underlies the increased relaxation rate. Additionally, winter hearts developed significantly less rigor contracture during ischemia than summer hearts, while recovery during reperfusion was similar in hearts between seasons. Winter torpid hearts have an increased glycogen content, which likely reduces development of rigor contracture during the ischemic event due to anaerobic ATP production. These cardioprotective mechanisms are important for the hibernation phenotype and highlight the resistance to hypoxic stress in the hibernator.