bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Morphological and Functional Adaptation of Left and Right Atria Induced by Training in Highly Trained Female Athletes
Authors: D’Ascenzi Flavio , Pelliccia Antonio , Natali Benedetta Maria , Zacà Valerio , Cameli Matteo , Alvino Federico , Malandrino Angela , Palmitesta Paola , Zorzi Alessandro , Corrado Domenico , Bonifazi Marco , Mondillo Sergio
Published: January 2014

Background—

Exercise is able to induce atrial remodeling in top-level athletes. However, evidence is mainly limited to men and based on cross-sectional studies. The aim of this prospective, longitudinal study was to investigate whether exercise is able to influence left and right atrial morphology and function also in female athletes.

Methods and Results—

Two-dimensional echocardiography was performed before season and after 16 weeks of intensive training in 24 top-level female athletes. Left and right atrial myocardial deformation was assessed by two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography. Left atrial volume index (24.0±3.6 versus 26.7±6.9 mL/m
2
;
P
<0.001) and right atrial volume index (15.66±3.09 versus 20.47±4.82 mL/m
2
;
P
<0.001) significantly increased after training in female athletes. Left atrial global peak atrial longitudinal strain and peak atrial contraction strain significantly decreased after training in female athletes (43.9±9.5% versus 39.8±6.5%;
P
<0.05 and 15.5±4.0% versus 13.9±4.0%;
P
<0.05, respectively). Right atrial peak atrial longitudinal strain and peak atrial contraction strain showed a similar, although non-significant decrease (42.8±10.6% versus 39.3±8.3%; 15.6±5.6% versus 13.1±6.1%, respectively). Neither biventricular
E
/
e
′ ratio nor biatrial stiffness changed after training, suggesting that biatrial remodeling occurs in a model of volume rather than pressure overload.

Conclusions—

Exercise is able to induce biatrial morphological and functional changes in female athletes. Biatrial enlargement, with normal filling pressures and low atrial stiffness, is a typical feature of the heart of female athletes. These findings should be interpreted as physiological adaptations to exercise and should be considered in the differential diagnosis with cardiomyopathies.
Thelypteris indusiata (Thelypteridaceae), a new fern species from Amazonian Brazil
Authors: Salino Alexandre , De Souza Maria Gabriela Marques , Arruda André Jardim
Published: January 2014

Thelypteris indusiata is described as a new species from Amazonian Brazil. This species with 1-pinnate laminae and terminal pinnae that resemble lateral ones belongs to Thelypteris subgenus Goniopteris and resembles several other species, mainly T. poiteana, T. ghiesbreghtii, T. vivipara and T. platypes, but differs from these species mainly by the venation pattern and the indusiate sori.
Deyeuxia himalaica (Poaceae, Agrostidinae): taxonomy and its first record from Myanmar
Authors: Paszko Beata
Published: January 2014

Deyeuxia himalaica, one of the rarest of the species of Deyeuxia known from southeastern Xizang, has been recorded for the first time on Myanmar’s Irriwaddy Plateau. The species’ taxonomy is clarified and discussed, especially in relation to the similar D. scabrescens. An amended diagnosis and description are provided.
Revision of the checkered beetle genus Erymanthus Spinola, 1841 (Coleoptera, Cleridae, Clerinae)
Authors: GERSTMEIER ROLAND , SALVAMOSER MAX
Published: January 2014

The  genus  Erymanthus  Spinola,  1841  is  taxonomically  revised  to  include  sixteen  species.  The species E. transversopustulatus n. sp. is described as new. Erymanthus concoloripennis Pic, 1932, n. syn. is placed in synonymy with E. bicolor Chapin, 1924, E. horridus var. semirufus Kuwert, 1893 is recognized as a distinct and valid species E. semirufus; E. variegatus Pic, 1950 n. syn. is synonymized with E. pustulosus Quedenfeldt, 1888. A key to the species, color photographs, genital figures and distribution maps are provided. Erymanthus ampliatus Hintz, 1902 is transferred to the genus Gyponyx Gorham, 1883 (= Gyponyx amplicatus (Hintz, 1902) n. comb.).
New generic synonyms in the Palaeotropical genus Urothrips (Thysanoptera: Phlaeothripinae) with one new species from Seychelles
Authors: ULITZKA MANFRED R. , MOUND LAURENCE A.
Published: January 2014

Urothrips kobroi sp. n. is described from Seychelles, and reasons are given for considering Biconothrips Stannard and Coxothrips Bournier as new synonyms of Urothrips Bagnall. This genus now includes nine species, distributed between Africa and Australia, and a key to these species is provided.
A revision of the water beetle genus Hydraena Kugelann for southern Africa (Coleoptera: Hydraenidae)
Authors: PERKINS PHILIP D.
Published: January 2014

The southern African species of the water beetle genus Hydraena Kugelann, 1794, are revised. Twenty-eight new species are described, and redescriptions and new collection records are given for three previously described species, based on the examination and databasing of 11,534 specimens from 488 localities/events. Male genitalia are illustrated, and high resolution habitus images of the holotypes are provided. Distribution maps are given for the 31 species of Hydraena now known from southern Africa, including Namibia, South Africa, Lesotho, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and the extreme southern part of Angola. New species of Hydraena are: H. armatura (Zimbabwe: Tributary stream of the Mutoragundu River); H. biseptosa (South Africa: Mpumalanga Province, Soutpansberg, Entabeni); H. capensis (South Africa: Eastern Cape Province, Chapman’s Bay); H. caprivica (Namibia: East Caprivi: Katima Mulilo); H. clavicula (South Africa: Mpumalanga Province, Uitsuk); H. cooperoides (Namibia: Naukluft River); H. duodecimata (South Africa: Northern Cape Province, Richtersveld, Oemsberg); H. elephanta (Angola: Altoplano, Ongueria); H. favulosa (Zimbabwe: Matapos National Park); H. genumorpha (South Africa: KwaZulu-Natal Province, Karkloof Grassveld); H. habitiva (South Africa: Mpumalanga Province, Nelshoogte); H. humanica (South Africa: Mpumalanga Province, Blyderiver Canyon); H. injectiva (South Africa: Mpumalanga Province, Nelshoogte); H. mpumalanga (South Africa: Mpumalanga Province, Soutpansberg, Entabeni); H. multimurata (South Africa: Mpumalanga Province, Kruger Nat. Pk., Letaba River); H. namibiensis (Namibia: C. Namib desert, Numis Wasser); H. natiforma (South Africa: Free State Province, Kruger Nat’l Park, Pretariuskop); H. neoaccurata (South Africa: Mpumalanga Province, Nelshoogte); H. nomenipes (South Africa: Eastern Cape Province, S. coast, Dwesa forest reserve); H. pisciforma (South Africa: Mpumalanga Province, Kruger National Park, Skukuza, Sabie River); H. profunda (South Africa: Mpumalanga Province, God’s Window); H. reflectiva (South Africa: Eastern Cape Province, S. coast, Dwesa forest reserve); H. sebastiani (South Africa: Western Cape Province, Groot Toren farm); H. tiara (South Africa: Mpumalanga Province, Vaal River where crossed by Ermelo-Lake Chrissie Road); H. uniforma (Namibia: Brandberg, Wasserfallflache); H. vadosa (South Africa: Eastern Cape Province, Amatole, Pirie Forest); H. zimbabwensis (Zimbabwe: Matapos National Park).
Opportunities to Intercalibrate Radiometric Sensors from International Space Station
Authors: Roithmayr C. M. , Lukashin C. , Speth P. W. , Young D. F. , Wielicki B. A. , Thome K. J. , Kopp G.
Published: January 2014

Highly accurate measurements of Earth’s thermal infrared and reflected solar radiation are required for detecting and predicting long-term climate change. Consideration is given to the concept of using the International Space Station to test instruments and techniques that would eventually be used on a dedicated mission, such as the Climate Absolute Radiance and Refractivity Observatory (CLARREO). In particular, a quantitative investigation is performed to determine whether it is possible to use measurements obtained with a highly accurate (0.3%, with 95% confidence) reflected solar radiation spectrometer to calibrate similar, less accurate instruments in other low Earth orbits. Estimates of numbers of samples useful for intercalibration are made with the aid of yearlong simulations of orbital motion. Results of this study support the conclusion that the International Space Station orbit is ideally suited for the purpose of intercalibration between spaceborne sensors.
Model Tuning with Canonical Correlation Analysis
Authors: Marzban Caren , Sandgathe Scott , Doyle James D.
Published: January 2014

Knowledge of the relationship between model parameters and forecast quantities is useful because it can aid in setting the values of the former for the purpose of having a desired effect on the latter. Here it is proposed that a well-established multivariate statistical method known as canonical correlation analysis can be formulated to gauge the strength of that relationship. The method is applied to several model parameters in the Coupled Ocean–Atmosphere Mesoscale Prediction System (COAMPS) for the purpose of “controlling” three forecast quantities: 1) convective precipitation, 2) stable precipitation, and 3) snow. It is shown that the model parameters employed here can be set to affect the sum, and the difference between convective and stable precipitation, while keeping snow mostly constant; a different combination of model parameters is shown to mostly affect the difference between stable precipitation and snow, with minimal effect on convective precipitation. In short, the proposed method cannot only capture the complex relationship between model parameters and forecast quantities, it can also be utilized to optimally control certain combinations of the latter.
From public–private partnerships to private–public stick ’em ups! NGOism, neoliberalism, and social development in post-apartheid South Africa
Authors: Xaba Thokozani
Published: January 2014

This article argues that the good work non-governmental organizations (NGOs) perform tends to produce one of two responses: it either shields them from the kinds of scrutiny to which mainstream businesses are subjected or, failing this, earns them the label of unwitting or unwilling participants in neoliberal programs imposed by multilateral international organizations on poor countries. This article examines the response by South African NGOs to a call by the Department of Social Development to offer financial support for students studying social work. It presents an analysis of neoliberal influences on the business nature, managerial structure, and logistical operations of social development NGOs, and the way in which their relationship with donors impacts on the interests of the beneficiaries of their projects as well as those of countries in which they work. This article argues that, much more than appendages of neoliberalism, some NGOs in South Africa voluntarily privatized their services in the interest of the private rather than the public good.
Modeling and simulation of software architecture in discrete event system specification for quality evaluation
Authors: Bogado Verónica , Gonnet Silvio , Leone Horacio
Published: January 2014

Software quality is an important issue in software engineering. The evaluation of software architecture is crucial to achieve quality scenarios, which reduces development and maintenance costs. This work presents a discrete event simulation environment for the software architecture assessment considering both functional and quality aspects. Discrete event system specification (DEVS) formalism and the underlying framework are used to specify the simulation elements. DEVS is based on the system theory and follows the engineering and object-oriented fundamentals to construct complex dynamic systems. The proposed environment is built in a modular and hierarchical way that provides scalability and reusability advantages. Although the proposal is focused on three quality attributes and a few metrics, this approach enables the definition of new elements and metrics related to other quality attributes that can be visible at runtime. A traditional architecture illustrates the proposal, where preliminary computational experiments for this real software system and concrete quality scenarios demonstrate the feasibility of the integrated simulation environment for the software architecture evaluation. In addition, a discussion shows how the results could help architects make design decisions to improve software quality during development.
Mechanical crimp texturizing of non-thermoplastic viscose rayon yarn
Authors: Shaikh Tasnim N , Chaudhari Satyajeet , Varma Alpa
Published: January 2014

There are technological limitations in the processing of smooth, slippery and rather flat multifilament viscose rayon yarn. The present work describes a shorter route for viscose rayon modification through mechanical crimp texturizing. Texturizing was performed with different pre-twists and optimized texturizing twist. This work describes a shorter and cost effective route for viscose rayon modification through mechanical crimp texturizing. The prepared texturized viscose rayon yarn has achieved the desirable structural characteristics of spun yarn as depicted in SEM micrographs. The textured yarn has retained an almost identical fineness with the parent yarn. Unlike air jet texturizing, mechanical crimp texturizing has benefits in terms of retro-processing of costlier viscose rayon yarn. Although it was textured, it has not shown any significant drop in tenacity and, apart from that, shows enhanced the elongation property compared to the parent yarn.
A novel bio-functional finishing agent for wool based on waterborne polyurethane mixed with chitosan
Authors: Shi Jihua , Han Xiao , Kelu Yan
Published: January 2014

In this study, chitosan with a specific molecular weight was added into a commercialized waterborne polyurethane to form a polyurethane/chitosan bio-composite emulsion, and this was used to treat wool fabric to obtain an anti-felting effect. The mechanical property of the treated fabric was also measured. The results showed that the addition of chitosan to polyurethane enabled the total dosage of polymer to be reduced by 45% while still retaining the anti-felting properties. The treatment endowed wool fabric with a comparatively soft handle. The influence of the molecular weight of chitosan for this application was investigated. The mechanical properties of films of the polyurethane and the polyurethane/chitosan bio-composite were measured as well as the thermal properties. The tensile strength of the films increased with the addition of chitosan to the polyurethane, but the elongation decreased. The composite films were found to be more thermally stable and degradable than the polyurethane alone.
Preparation and properties of multi-functional cotton fabric treated by gallnut extract
Authors: Hong Kyung Hwa
Published: January 2014

Aqueous extract of gallnut is well known to have remarkable antioxidant and antibacterial activities. Gallnut is expected to be a safe antibacterial agent for textile application because it is a non-toxic natural substance. Thus, we applied gallnut extract to cotton fabrics using an infrared dyeing machine and a pad-dry-cure process, in order to develop multi-functional clothing material with no harmful side effect. Through this study, we found the optimum condition (via a pad-dry-cure process at 120℃/15 min) for the gallnut extract treatment of cotton fabrics. The surface appearance, mechanical properties, antibacterial ability, and antioxidant performance of the treated cotton fabrics were thoroughly investigated. Consequently, it was found that antibacterial and antioxidant cotton fabrics were obtained via the gallnut extract treatment.
Reliability and Validity of the Greek Version of the Smoking Self-Efficacy Scale for Adolescents
Authors: Zourbanos Nikos , Dimitriou Eleni , Goudas Marios , Theodorakis Yannis
Published: January 2014

This study examined the psychometric properties of the Greek version of the Smoking Efficacy Scale (SES) for adolescents in a sample of 536 high school students. The factorial structure of the SES was examined by means of a series of exploratory factor analyses. The structural validity, the internal consistency, the temporal stability, and the concurrent validity of the SES were assessed. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses revealed a clear three-factor (emotion, opportunity, and friends) structure. Furthermore, SES predicted students’ smoking behavior. Overall, the multidimensionality of the SES was supported by our findings, suggesting that the Greek version of the SES appears to be a psychometrically sound instrument that can be used for the evaluation of smoking prevention and smoking cessation programs for high school students.
Five Years From Now
Authors: McKee Kevin J. , Kostela Johan , Dahlberg Lena
Published: January 2014

Few studies have explored older people’s expected future quality of life (QoL), despite evidence that perceptions of one’s future influence healthy aging. Research on this topic should embrace a range of potential influences, including perceptions of one’s neighborhood and region. This study examined expected QoL in a random sample of the population of Dalarna, a Swedish region. A self-completion questionnaire assessed demographic characteristics, current neighborhood and regional evaluations, self-evaluations, expectations for the future, and current and expected QoL. In total, 786 people aged ≥65 years participated. A sequential multiple regression model explained 44% of the variance in older people’s expected QoL, with self-reported health ( sr2 = .03), Expected Regional Opportunity ( sr2 = .03), and Perceived Regional Status ( sr2 = .02) having the strongest associations with expected QoL. Research on the importance of one’s neighborhood to QoL in older people should encompass people’s perceptions of their region, to better inform social policy for healthy aging.
Cancer Risk Management Decision Making for BRCA+ Women
Authors: Leonarczyk Terri Jabaley , Mawn Barbara E.
Published: January 2014

Women with pathogenic BRCA genetic mutations face high risks for cancer development. Estimates vary among mutation carriers, with lifetime risks ranging from 41% to 90% for breast cancer and 8% to 62% for ovarian cancer. Cancer risk management options for BRCA mutation positive (BRCA+) women have life-altering implications. This qualitative, phenomenological study explored the experience of cancer risk management decision making for women who are unaffected carriers of a BRCA mutation (previvors). Fifteen previvors recruited from Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered (FORCE), an online informational and support group, were interviewed. Findings consisted of four major themes: the early previvor experience, intense emotional upheaval; the decisional journey, navigating a personal plan for survival; lack of knowledge and experience among health care providers; and support is essential. Findings highlight the different decisional perspectives of previvors based on age and individual factors and the need for increased competence among health care providers.
High HIV prevalence among children presenting for general consultation in rural Cameroon
Authors: Zoufaly A , Hammerl R , Sunjoh F , Jochum J , Nassimi N , Awasom C , Tayong G , Sauter F , Schmiedel S , van Lunzen J , Burchard G , Feldt T
Published: January 2014

Data on the HIV-prevalence children presenting to health care facilities in sub-Saharan Africa are scant in general, and the debate about opportunities for paediatric HIV screening is ongoing. Nine hundred and eighty-one children with unknown HIV-status presenting to a large general paediatric outpatient department in rural Cameroon were tested using the Determine HIV-1/2 rapid test (Abbott), and positive results were confirmed with the Hexagon HIV rapid test (Human Diagnostics). In children younger than 18 months, HIV infection was confirmed by PCR testing. Median age was 1.3 years and 52.8% were of male gender. In 514 children below 18 months of age, 16 (3.1%) tested positive. Of those, HIV-1 PCR was available for 11 children, of whom 6 had a positive PCR result. HIV prevalence was highest in the age group 5–9 years, being 8.8%. Malnutrition (33.3 vs 5.2%, p < 0.001) was associated with HIV infection. Our study results indicate that HIV testing should be offered to all children at possible entry points to medical care, irrespective of symptoms, in order to reduce HIV-associated mortality through timely initiation of antiretroviral therapy.
Social and behavioural risk factors for HIV infection among the wives of labour migrants in Nepal
Authors: Thapa Subash , Bista Nirmala , Timilsina Suraj , Buntinx Frank , Mathei Catharina
Published: January 2014

Summary

Labour migration has increased the risk of HIV infection among the wives of labour migrants in Nepal. We conducted a matched case-control study to identify the social and behavioural factors for HIV infection among the wives of labour migrants in Nepal. We interviewed 112 wives of labour migrants diagnosed with HIV (cases) and 112 wives of labour migrants testing negative for HIV (controls) and used logistic regression analysis to assess independent factors associated with HIV infection. Literacy status was the only one woman-related social factor associated with HIV infection. Meanwhile literacy status, age when going abroad for the first time and country of migration were the husband-related social factors and alcohol consumption, living alone abroad and having an unpaid partner abroad were the husband-related behavioural factors associated with HIV infection in the wives. Given the husband-related social and behavioural factors are mostly determining the risk of HIV infection in the wives in our study, prevention efforts must incorporate behaviour change approaches targeting specifically to labour migrants and also to their wives.
Experimental investigation of piston heat transfer under conventional diesel and reactivity-controlled compression ignition combustion regimes
Authors: Hendricks Terry L , Splitter Derek A , Ghandhi Jaal B
Published: January 2014

The piston of a heavy-duty single-cylinder research engine was instrumented with 11 fast-response surface thermocouples, and a commercial wireless telemetry system was used to transmit the signals from the moving piston. The raw thermocouple data were processed using an inverse heat conduction method that included Tikhonov regularization to recover transient heat flux. By applying symmetry, the data were compiled to provide time-resolved spatial maps of the piston heat flux and surface temperature. A detailed comparison was made between conventional diesel combustion and reactivity-controlled compression ignition combustion operations at matched conditions of load, speed, boost pressure, and combustion phasing. The integrated piston heat transfer was found to be 24% lower, and the mean surface temperature was 25 °C lower for reactivity-controlled compression ignition operation as compared to conventional diesel combustion, in spite of the higher peak heat release rate. Lower integrated piston heat transfer for reactivity-controlled compression ignition was found over all the operating conditions tested. The results showed that increasing speed decreased the integrated heat transfer for conventional diesel combustion and reactivity-controlled compression ignition. The effect of the start of injection timing was found to strongly influence conventional diesel combustion heat flux, but had a negligible effect on reactivity-controlled compression ignition heat flux, even in the limit of near top dead center high-reactivity fuel injection timings. These results suggest that the role of the high-reactivity fuel injection does not significantly affect the thermal environment even though it is important for controlling the ignition timing and heat release rate shape. The integrated heat transfer and the dynamic surface heat flux were found to be insensitive to changes in boost pressure for both conventional diesel combustion and reactivity-controlled compression ignition. However, for reactivity-controlled compression ignition, the mean surface temperature increased with changes in boost suggesting that equivalence ratio affects steady-state heat transfer.
Marcel Mauss’s economic vision, 1920–1925: Anthropology, politics, journalism
Authors: Hart Keith
Published: January 2014

Marcel Mauss took some time to resume his academic and political duties after the Great War, but the period 1920–1925 was one of intense activity and achievement on all fronts. He assumed Durkheim’s responsibility as leader of a depleted Année Sociologique group and relaunched the journal. He was optimistic that his international socialist politics would bear national fruit and it did. He was also a prolific financial journalist at this time, writing about the exchange rate crisis of 1922–1924. He maintained a Chinese wall between these compartments of his life, briefly combining them in the last chapter of The Gift, which is only a tentative synthesis. This separation of his intellectual and political commitments makes it easier for anthropologists to ignore his politics and, worse, to perpetuate in his name that opposition between market contracts and gifts as economic principles that he wrote his famous essay to refute.
Gift and danger
Authors: Hyland Richard
Published: January 2014

The intensity of the law’s interaction with gift giving suggests that examining their relationship might produce interesting insights about both gift giving and the law. Yet no social scientist has seriously examined the gift norms included in modern systems of private law. The complexity of gift law is due to the interaction of two competing social ideas: the law’s concern that gift giving represents a danger to society; and the power of customary gift obligations to engender and maintain social relationships. The law gets involved in gift giving when it feels that the parties need some protection, and this involvement varies considerably among legal systems. Some systems are suspicious of inter vivos transfers, while others tend to view gifts as they view exchange. Since the law’s formal requirements do not displace customary obligations this field provides an opportunity to examine how the law is shaped by the customary obligations Mauss elaborated.
Are School Boards aware of the educational quality of their schools?
Authors: Hooge Edith , Honingh Marlies
Published: January 2014

School boards are expected to monitor and enhance the educational quality of their schools. To know whether and how school boards are able to do so, we first of all need to know whether school boards are aware of the educational quality of their schools in the first place. Taking Dutch school boards in primary education as an exemplary case ( N = 332) we developed and tested a path model using structural equation modelling to analyse the extent to which school boards discern educational quality in their schools. The results show that, in general, school boards in primary education believe that they can contribute to enhancing the quality of school education. If the school board and school(s) management stick to their governing and management roles respectively, this positively affects the extent to which the school board is able to identify educational quality in the schools it governs.
May We Have Your Attention Please? Human-Rights NGOs and the Problem of Global Communication
Authors: Thrall A. Trevor , Stecula Dominik , Sweet Diana
Published: January 2014

Historically, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) have relied on mainstream news media to expose human-rights violations and encourage governments to pressure the perpetrators. Thanks to the Internet, NGOs are crafting new strategies for conducting information politics. Despite the obvious democratization of access to the means of communication, however, the new media may in fact represent a more challenging environment in which to be heard for some groups seeking global attention. We draw on agenda-setting research to develop a theory of global attention bottlenecks and use it to explain the success of 257 transnational human-rights groups at generating attention in both international mainstream news media and social media outlets. We conclude that most NGOs lack the organizational resources to compete effectively for either traditional news coverage or for public attention and that the Internet is unlikely to resolve the problem of global communication.
Symptomatic fructose malabsorption in irritable bowel syndrome: A prospective study
Authors: Melchior Chloé , Gourcerol Guillaume , Déchelotte Pierre , Leroi Anne-Marie , Ducrotté Philippe
Published: January 2014

Introduction

Fructose can trigger or worsen symptoms in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) patients. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of symptomatic fructose malabsorption in IBS patients and to test whether the patient's characteristics can help to detect a fructose malabsorption.

Materials and methods

Ninety Rome III IBS patients (predominant diarrhoea (IBS‐D): 31%, predominant constipation (IBS‐C): 18%, mixed type (IBS‐M): 51%) were included prospectively. After exclusion of a small intestinal bacterial overgrowth by a glucose breath test, fructose malabsorption was assessed by a five‐hour breath test, with symptom monitoring, after a 25 g load of fructose. An increase of more than 20 ppm of hydrogen (H2) or methane (CH4) levels in the exhaled air led to the diagnosis of malabsorption.

Results

Fructose test was abnormal in 20/90 patients among whom only 35% were intolerant, with a simultaneous rise of H2 /CH4 levels and the onset of abdominal discomfort or diarrhoea. IBS characteristics were not predictive even if young (p  = 0.031) and male IBS patients (p  = 0.029) were at higher risk of malabsorption. At variance, 18 additional patients experienced intestinal symptoms during the test despite normal fructose absorption.

Discussion

After a 25 g fructose load, symptomatic fructose malabsorption and intolerance without malabsorption were detected in 22% and 28% of IBS patients respectively.
Green Views of Marx
Authors: Breen Sheryl D.
Published: January 2014

Is Marxist theory relevant or conducive to environmental political thought? This article considers responses to this question and the debate regarding possibilities of a red/green coalition through examination of four green theorists who represent positions of theoretical and historical significance: first, the argument that an enlightened reinterpretation of Marx reveals him to be an inherently ecological thinker; second, the belief that Marxist thought holds significant value for environmental theory but that crucial weaknesses demand essential revision; third, the rejection of Marx and his political theory as antagonistic to environmental protection; and, finally, social ecology’s use of dialectical naturalism to transcend Marx’s failings.
Chitosan scaffolds with nanosilver layer for bone implantation obtained by electrolytic method
Authors: Tylman M. , Mucha M.
Published: January 2014

In the present work, the methodology of the production of porous chitosan scaffolds with the participation of hydroxyapatite (HAp) by the electrolytic method has been presented. The electrolysis of 1 solution of chitosan in 1 acetic acid (containing HAp) has been conducted. In the process of electrolysis, chitosan acetate underwent reduction ([Formula: see text] to NH2) and deposited on the cathode in the form of porous chitosan hydrogel containing different quantities of HAp. In order to improve antibacterial qualities, the scaffolds were covered with a 15 μm layer of nanosilver. The obtained chitosan structures were further subjected to lyophilisation. The aim of the research is to examine the influence of the conditions of the process on the rate of the scaffolds production as well as the morphology of the structures. Images (SEM) were taken in order to examine the surface structure of scaffolds, dispersion of HAp in the polymer matrix as well as the size of the nanosilver layer on the chitosan surface.
Protective strontium phosphate coatings for magnesium biomaterials
Authors: Ke C. , Pohl K. , Birbilis N. , Chen X.-B.
Published: January 2014

A biocompatible strontium phosphate (SrP) conversion coating was used to reduce the degradation rate of pure magnesium (Mg) as tested in vitro in minimum essential medium (MEM). The coating has been specifically developed on the basis of its excellent corrosion resistance, and its potential for biocompatibility and orthopaedic functionality. The surface of Mg was investigated after being coated via several processing conditions in order to elucidate the coating growth process. Scanning electron microscopy equipped with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, potentiodynamic polarisation curves and mass loss measurement were employed to characterise the SrP coatings and their degradation performance. It is revealed that the conversion coating deposition initiates rapidly in the processing stage (<5 s), and the surface of Mg is fully covered by a conversion coating after ∼3 min. The coating system contains a magnesium oxide intermediate layer and an outer film of SrP. The biomimetic coating presents superior protection on Mg, representing as an evolution from the conventionally studied calcium phosphate coatings.
Production of a reference transcriptome and transcriptomic database (EdwardsiellaBase) for the lined sea anemone, Edwardsiella lineata, a parasitic cnidarian
Authors: Stefanik Derek J , Lubinski Tristan J , Granger Brian R , Byrd Allyson L , Reitzel Adam M , DeFilippo Lukas , Lorenc Allison , Finnerty John R
Published: January 2014

Background

The lined sea anemone Edwardsiella lineata is an informative model system for evolutionary-developmental studies of parasitism. In this species, it is possible to compare alternate developmental pathways leading from a larva to either a free-living polyp or a vermiform parasite that inhabits the mesoglea of a ctenophore host. Additionally, E. lineata is confamilial with the model cnidarian Nematostella vectensis, providing an opportunity for comparative genomic, molecular and organismal studies.

Description

We generated a reference transcriptome for E. lineata via high-throughput sequencing of RNA isolated from five developmental stages (parasite; parasite-to-larva transition; larva; larva-to-adult transition; adult). The transcriptome comprises 90,440 contigs assembled from >15 billion nucleotides of DNA sequence. Using a molecular clock approach, we estimated the divergence between E. lineata and N. vectensis at 215–364 million years ago. Based on gene ontology and metabolic pathway analyses and gene family surveys (bHLH-PAS, deiodinases, Fox genes, LIM homeodomains, minicollagens, nuclear receptors, Sox genes, and Wnts), the transcriptome of E. lineata is comparable in depth and completeness to N. vectensis. Analyses of protein motifs and revealed extensive conservation between the proteins of these two edwardsiid anemones, although we show the NF-κB protein of E. lineata reflects the ancestral structure, while the NF-κB protein of N. vectensis has undergone a split that separates the DNA-binding domain from the inhibitory domain. All contigs have been deposited in a public database (EdwardsiellaBase), where they may be searched according to contig ID, gene ontology, protein family motif (Pfam), enzyme commission number, and BLAST. The alignment of the raw reads to the contigs can also be visualized via JBrowse.

Conclusions

The transcriptomic data and database described here provide a platform for studying the evolutionary developmental genomics of a derived parasitic life cycle. In addition, these data from E. lineata will aid in the interpretation of evolutionary novelties in gene sequence or structure that have been reported for the model cnidarian N. vectensis (e.g., the split NF-κB locus). Finally, we include custom computational tools to facilitate the annotation of a transcriptome based on high-throughput sequencing data obtained from a “non-model system.”
Genomic sequence of temperate phage Smp131 of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia that has similar prophages in xanthomonads
Authors: Lee Chia-Ni , Tseng Tsai-Tien , Chang Hsiao-Chuan , Lin Juey-Wen , Weng Shu-Fen
Published: January 2014

Background

Stenotrophomonas maltophilia is a ubiquitous Gram-negative bacterium previously named as Xanthomonas maltophilia. This organism is an important nosocomial pathogen associated with infections in immunocompromised patients. Clinical isolates of S. maltophilia are mostly resistant to multiple antibiotics and treatment of its infections is becoming problematic. Several virulent bacteriophages, but not temperate phage, of S. maltophilia have been characterized.

Results

In this study, a temperate myophage of S. maltophilia (Smp131) was isolated and characterized. Sequence analysis showed that its genome is 33,525-bp long with 47 open reading frames (ORFs). Its similarity to P2-like phages and prophages in S. maltophilia and several Xanthomonas pathovars includes genomic organization, arrangement of several operons, and possession of a slippery sequence T7G for translational frameshifting in tail assembly genes. Smp131 encodes a tyrosine family integrase that shares low degrees of similarity with those of other phages and a lysin belonging to family 19 chitinase that is observed in plants and some bacteria, although not in phages. tRNA are the preferred sites for host integration of Smp131 and the related phages: tRNA-Thr for Smp131 and prophage of S. maltophilia K279a; tRNA-Lys for prophages of X. campestris pv. campestris ATCC33913, X. oryzae pv. oryzae strains MAFF311018, and KACC10331; and tRNA-Asn for prophage of X. oryzae pv. oryzae PXO99A and remnant of X. axonopodis pv. citri 306. Regions flanking the prophages are varied highly in nucleotide sequence and rich in transposase genes, suggesting that frequent insertion/excision had occurred.

Conclusions

Prevalence of closely related prophages in Stenotrophomonas and Xanthomonads may have contributed to the diversity of these closely related species owing to possible horizontal gene transfer mediated by the phages.
Bronchial isomerism in a Kabuki syndrome patient with a novel mutation in MLL2gene
Authors: Cappuccio Gerarda , Rossi Alessandro , Fontana Paolo , Acampora Emma , Avolio Valeria , Merla Giuseppe , Zelante Leopoldo , Secinaro Aurelio , Andria Generoso , Melis Daniela
Published: January 2014

Background

Kabuki syndrome (KS) is a rare, multiple congenital anomalies/intellectual disability syndrome caused by mutations of MLL2 gene, which codifies for a histone methyltrasferase that regulates the embryogenesis and the tissue development. Left-bronchial isomerism is a rare congenital abnormality that can be defined as the absence of the normal lateralizing features which distinguish right and left-sides in the lungs. To date, this is the first report of left-bronchial isomerism in association with KS.

Case presentation

A one-month-old Caucasian male patient underwent our attention for microcephaly, dysmorphic features (long palpebral fissures, eyebrows with sparse lateral third, everted lower eyelids, blue sclerae, large dysplastic ears, lower lip pits), persistent fetal fingertip pads, short stature, heart defects (interventricular defect and aortic coarctation), unilateral cryptorchidism, hypotonia and delay in gross motor skills. These features suggested a diagnosis of KS and a molecular analysis confirmed a novel frame-shift mutation in the exon 11 of MLL2 gene. Subsequently, given recurrent respiratory infections with a normal immunological status, he underwent a chest CT scan that showed a left bronchial isomerism.

Conclusion

We report a patient affected by KS, with a novel MLL2 mutation and an atypical phenotype characterized by left-side bronchial isomerism. Interestingly, genes involved in the heterotaxia/isomerism such as ROCK2 and SHROOM3 are known to interact with MLL2 gene. In order to achieve a correct diagnosis and an appropriate therapy, the presence of pulmonary anatomical variations should be investigated in KS patients with respiratory signs not associated to immunological deficiency. Finally, our findings support the hypothesis that the mutations leading to a complete loss of function of MLL2 gene is often associated with complex visceral malformations.
Effect on the tensile strength of human acellular dermis (Epiflex®) of in-vitro incubation simulating an open abdomen setting
Authors: Vitacolonna Mario , Mularczyk Michael , Herrle Florian , Schulze Torsten J , Haupt Hans , Oechsner Matthias , Pilz Lothar R , Hohenberger Peter , Rössner Eric Dominic
Published: January 2014

Background

The use of human acellular dermis (hAD) to close open abdomen in the treatment process of severe peritonitis might be an alternative to standard care. This paper describes an investigation of the effects of fluids simulating an open abdomen environment on the biomechanical properties of Epiflex® a cell-free human dermis transplant.

Methods

hAD was incubated in Ringers solution, blood, urine, upper gastrointestinal (upper GI) secretion and a peritonitis-like bacterial solution in-vitro for 3 weeks. At day 0, 7, 14 and 21 breaking strength was measured, tensile strength was calculated and standard fluorescence microscopy was performed.

Results

hAD incubated in all five of the five fluids showed a decrease in mean breaking strength at day 21 when compared to day 0. However, upper GI secretion was the only incubation fluid that significantly reduced the mechanical strength of Epiflex after 21days of incubation when compared to incubation in Ringer’s solution.

Conclusion

hAD may be a suitable material for closure of the open abdomen in the absence of upper GI leakage and pancreatic fistulae.
First-principles study on transition metal-doped anatase TiO2
Authors: Wang Yaqin , Zhang Ruirui , Li Jianbao , Li Liangliang , Lin Shiwei
Published: January 2014

The electronic structures, formation energies, and band edge positions of anatase TiO2 doped with transition metals have been analyzed by ab initio band calculations based on the density functional theory with the planewave ultrasoft pseudopotential method. The model structures of transition metal-doped TiO2 were constructed by using the 24-atom 2 × 1 × 1 supercell of anatase TiO2 with one Ti atom replaced by a transition metal atom. The results indicate that most transition metal doping can narrow the band gap of TiO2, lead to the improvement in the photoreactivity of TiO2, and simultaneously maintain strong redox potential. Under O-rich growth condition, the preparation of Co-, Cr-, and Ni-doped TiO2 becomes relatively easy in the experiment due to their negative impurity formation energies, which suggests that these doping systems are easy to obtain and with good stability. The theoretical calculations could provide meaningful guides to develop more active photocatalysts with visible light response.
Trans-activation, post-transcriptional maturation, and induction of antibodies to HERV-K (HML-2) envelope transmembrane protein in HIV-1 infection
Authors: Michaud Henri-Alexandre , de Mulder Miguel , SenGupta Devi , Deeks Steven G , Martin Jeffrey N , Pilcher Christopher D , Hecht Frederick M , Sacha Jonah B , Nixon Douglas F
Published: January 2014

Background

Human Endogenous Retroviruses (HERVs) comprise about 8% of the human genome and have lost their ability to replicate or to produce infectious particles after having accumulated mutations over time. We assessed the kinetics of expression of HERV-K (HML-2) Envelope mRNA transcript and surface unit (SU) and transmembrane (TM) subunit proteins during HIV-1 infection. We also mapped the specificity of the humoral response to HERV-K (HML-2) Envelope protein in HIV-1 infected subjects at different stages of disease, and correlated the response with plasma viral load.

Results

We found that HIV-1 modified HERV-K (HML-2) Env mRNA expression, resulting in the expression of a fully N-glycosylated HERV-K (HML-2) envelope protein on the cell surface. Serological mapping of HERV-K (HML-2) envelope protein linear epitopes revealed two major immunogenic domains, one on SU and another on the ectodomain of TM. The titers of HERV-K (HML-2) TM antibodies were dramatically increased in HIV-1 infected subjects (p < 0.0001). HIV-1 infected adults who control HIV-1 in the absence of therapy (“elite” controllers) had a higher titer response against TM compared to antiretroviral-treated adults (p < 0.0001) and uninfected adults (p < 0.0001).

Conclusions

These data collectively suggest that HIV-1 infection induces fully glycosylated HERV-K (HML-2) envelope TM protein to which antibodies are induced. These anti-HERV-K (HML-2) TM antibodies are a potential marker of HIV-1 infection, and are at higher titer in elite controllers. HERV-K (HML-2) envelope TM protein may be a new therapeutic target in HIV-1 infection.
A Comparison of RNA-Seq and Exon Arrays for Whole Genome Transcription Profiling of the L5 Spinal Nerve Transection Model of Neuropathic Pain in the Rat
Authors: Perkins James R , Antunes-Martins Ana , Calvo Margarita , Grist John , Rust Werner , Schmid Ramona , Hildebrandt Tobias , Kohl Matthias , Orengo Christine , McMahon Stephen B , Bennett David LH
Published: January 2014

Background:

The past decade has seen an abundance of transcriptional profiling studies of preclinical models of persistent pain, predominantly employing microarray technology. In this study we directly compare exon microarrays to RNA-seq and investigate the ability of both platforms to detect differentially expressed genes following nerve injury using the L5 spinal nerve transection model of neuropathic pain. We also investigate the effects of increasing RNA-seq sequencing depth. Finally we take advantage of the “agnostic” approach of RNA-seq to discover areas of expression outside of annotated exons that show marked changes in expression following nerve injury.

Results:

RNA-seq and microarrays largely agree in terms of the genes called as differentially expressed. However, RNA-seq is able to interrogate a much larger proportion of the genome. It can also detect a greater number of differentially expressed genes than microarrays, across a wider range of fold changes and is able to assign a larger range of expression values to the genes it measures. The number of differentially expressed genes detected increases with sequencing depth. RNA-seq also allows the discovery of a number of genes displaying unusual and interesting patterns of non-exonic expression following nerve injury, an effect that cannot be detected using microarrays.

Conclusion:

We recommend the use of RNA-seq for future high-throughput transcriptomic experiments in pain studies. RNA-seq allowed the identification of a larger number of putative candidate pain genes than microarrays and can also detect a wider range of expression values in a neuropathic pain model. In addition, RNA-seq can interrogate the whole genome regardless of prior annotations, being able to detect transcription from areas of the genome not currently annotated as exons. Some of these areas are differentially expressed following nerve injury, and may represent novel genes or isoforms. We also recommend the use of a high sequencing depth in order to detect differential expression for genes with low levels of expression.