bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Legal Challenges to the International Deployment of Government Public Health and Medical Personnel during Public Health Emergencies: Impact on National and Global Health Security
Authors: Davidson Brent , Sherman Susan , Barraza Leila , Marinissen Maria Julia
Published: April 2015

In an increasingly interconnected global community, severe disasters or disease outbreaks in one country or region may rapidly impact global health security. As seen during the responses to the earthquakes in Haiti and Japan, Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines, and the current Ebola outbreak in West Africa, local response capacities can be rapidly overwhelmed and international assistance may be necessary to support the affected region to respond and recover and to protect other countries from the spread of disease. For example, President Obama stated on September 16, 2014, that “if the [Ebola] outbreak is not stopped now, we could be looking at hundreds of thousands of people infected, with profound political and economic and security implications for all of us…. [T]his…is not just a threat to regional security — it’s a potential threat to global security if these countries break down…. And that’s why…I directed my team to make this a national security priority.”
Effects of Fusarium mycotoxins in rations with different concentrate proportions on serum haptoglobin and hepatocellular integrity in lactating dairy cows
Authors: Kinoshita A. , Keese C. , Beineke A. , Meyer U. , Starke A. , Sauerwein H. , Dänicke S. , Rehage J.
Published: April 2015

It was hypothesized that long‐term intake of a diet contaminated with deoxynivalenol (DON) and differing in the proportion of concentrate might affect hepatocellular integrity and function as well as biomarkers of systemic inflammation in lactating dairy cows. In Period 1 (11 weeks), 26 lactating German Holstein cows (13 primiparous and 13 pluriparous, 31 days in milk, 522 kg body weight, on average) were divided into two groups and fed diets (50% concentrate) with (MYC, n = 12; on average 5.3 mg DON/kg DM) or without (CON, n = 14) DON contaminations. In Period 2 (16 weeks), each group was further divided into two groups to test whether elevated concentrate proportion as additional burden might enhance the toxicity of DON. The cows in MYC60 (n = 6; 4.6 mg DON/kg DM) and CON60 (n = 7) received the diet with 60% concentrate, while cows in MYC30 (n = 6; 4.4 mg DON/kg DM) and CON30 (n = 7) received the diet with 30% concentrate. Blood samples were taken in biweekly intervals for activities of aspartate amino transferase (AST), glutamate dehydrogenase (GLDH) and gamma‐glutamyl transferase as well as for concentration of total bilirubin and haptoglobin. Biopsies from liver were collected in week 27 for morphological analyses. No DON effect was found for the variables assessed in blood. The diet with 60% concentrate led to higher activities of AST and GLDH in Period 2. No morphological change was found by both light and electron microscopic analyses of liver samples. Results indicated that long‐term intake of DON‐contaminated diet over 27 weeks led to neither relevant damages of hepatocytes nor systemic inflammatory responses in lactating dairy cows, even if the dietary concentrate proportion was increased to 60%.
In ovo L‐arginine supplementation stimulates myoblast differentiation but negatively affects muscle development of broiler chicken after hatching
Authors: Li Y. , Wang Y. , Willems E. , Willemsen H. , Franssens L. , Buyse J. , Decuypere E. , Everaert N.
Published: April 2015

In this study, we tested the hypothesis that in ovo feeding (IOF) of L‐arginine (L‐Arg) enhances nitric oxide (NO) production, stimulates the process of myogenesis, and regulates post‐hatching muscle growth. Different doses of L‐Arg were injected into the amnion of chicken embryos at embryonic day (ED) 16. After hatching, the body weight of individual male chickens was recorded weekly for 3 weeks. During in vitro experiments, myoblasts of the pectoralis major (PM) were extracted at ED16 and were incubated in medium containing 0.01 mm L‐Arg, 0.05 mm L‐Arg, and (or) 0.05 mm L‐nitro‐arginine‐methyl‐ester (L‐NAME), an inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase (NOS). When 25 mg/kg L‐Arg/initial egg weight was injected, no difference was observed in body weight at hatch, but a significant decrease was found during the following 3 weeks compared to that of the non‐injected and saline‐injected control, and this also affected the growth of muscle mass. L‐NAME inhibited gene expression of myogenic differentiation antigen (MyoD), myogenin, NOS, and follistatin, decreased the cell viability, and increased myostatin (MSTN) gene expression. 0.05 mm L‐Arg stimulated myogenin gene expression but also depressed muscle cell viability. L‐NAME blocked the effect of 0.05 mm L‐Arg on myogenin mRNA levels when co‐incubated with 0.05 mm L‐Arg. L‐Arg treatments had no significant influence on NOS mRNA gene expression, but had inhibiting effect on follistatin gene expression, while L‐NAME treatments had effects on both. These results suggested that L‐Arg stimulated myoblast differentiation, but the limited number of myoblasts would form less myotubes and then less myofibers, while the latter limited the growth of muscle mass.
Cloning and tissue distribution of appetite‐regulating peptides in pirapitinga (Piaractus brachypomus)
Authors: Volkoff H.
Published: April 2015

Pirapitinga (or red‐bellied pacu, Piaractus brachypomus, Characiforme, Serrasalmidae) is an economically important South American fish for which the endocrine mechanism of the regulation of feeding has never been examined. To better understand these mechanisms, cDNAs encoding the appetite‐regulating peptides orexin, cocaine‐ and amphetamine‐regulated transcript (CART), apelin, cholecystokinin (CCK), peptide YY (PYY), leptin and ghrelin were isolated in pirapitinga and their mRNA distributions examined in peripheral tissues and brain. When compared to other fish, the sequences obtained for all peptides were most similar to those of other Characiforme fish (i.e. Mexican cavefish) and Siluriformes (catfish) as well as Cypriniformes (i.e. goldfish, zebrafish). All peptides were widely expressed within the brain. With the exception of CART, which was only expressed in brain, the mRNAs of all peptides were present in several peripheral tissues, including gastrointestinal tract, kidneys and gills. The widespread and peptide‐specific distributions suggest that each peptide might have distinct physiological actions in the brain and on peripheral tissues, in particular on the gastrointestinal tract, which include feeding regulation. This preliminary study opens new avenues for further functional studies on the endocrine regulation of feeding in Serrasalmidae fish, including pirapitinga.
Effect of different levels of raw and heated grass pea seed (Lathyrus sativus) on nutrient digestibility, intestinal villus morphology and growth performance of broiler chicks
Authors: Riasi A. , Mahdavi A. H. , Bayat E.
Published: April 2015

This study aimed to investigate chemical composition and effect of different levels (0%, 10% and 20%) of raw grass pea (RGP) and heat‐treated (120 °C for 30 min) grass pea seed (HGP) on nutrient digestibility, dressing percentage, relative internal organ weights, intestinal villous morphology and broiler chicks' performance. A total number of 200 day‐old male chicks were raised under similar condition for 10 days. On day 11, chicks were randomly assigned to five dietary treatments and four replicates of 10 birds each. The result of chemical analysis indicated that Iranian grass pea seed has low levels of total and condensed tannin, and it may be considered as a good source of protein (36.1%) and energy (17.09 kJ GE/g). Heat treatment reduced (p < 0.05) the total and condensed tannin to 21% and 78% respectively. Grass peas seed had higher levels of nitrogen‐free extract, P, Na, Mg and Zn than soya bean meal. The apparent digestibility of gross energy and lipid was affected (p < 0.01) by the treatment diets, and it was the lowest after feeding 20% of HGP (p < 0.05). The relative weight of breast and pancreas (p < 0.05) was affected by treatments. Percentage weight of breast and pancreas increased (p < 0.05) after feeding high levels (20%) of RGP and HGP. Substitution of 20% of RGP and HGP increased the duodenal crypt depth (p < 0.05); however, it had no suppressive effect on villus height as the absorptive surface of intestine. The feed conversion ratio was not affected by the treatments in the total experimental period. This study showed that, although the high level of grass pea seed caused a remarkable increase in the relative weight of pancreas and decreased the apparent digestibility of gross energy and lipid, it had beneficial effect on breast relative weight. It seems that heat processing is not effective method for improving quality of Iranian grass pea seed.
The immediate wound‐induced oxidative burst of Saccharina latissima depends on light via photosynthetic electron transport
Authors: McDowell Ruth E. , Amsler Margaret O. , Li Qian , Lancaster Jack R. , Amsler Charles D.
Published: April 2015

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced by an oxidative burst are an important component of the wound response in algae, vascular plants, and animals. In all taxa, ROS production is usually attributed solely to a defense‐related enzyme like NADPH‐oxidase (Nox). However, here we show that the initial, wound‐induced oxidative burst of the kelp Saccharina latissima depends on light and photosynthetic electron transport. We measured oxygen evolution and ROS production at different light levels and in the presence of a photosynthetic inhibitor, and we used spin trapping and electron paramagnetic resonance as an orthogonal method. Using an in vivo chemical probe, we provide data suggesting that wound‐induced ROS production in two distantly related and geographically isolated species of Antarctic macroalgae may be light dependent as well. We propose that electron transport chains are an important and as yet unaddressed component of the wound response, not just for photosynthetic organisms, but for animals via mitochondria as well. This component may have been obscured by the historic use of diphenylene iodonium, which inhibits not only Noxes but also photosynthetic and respiratory electron transport as well. Finally, we anticipate physiological and/or ecological consequences of the light dependence of macroalgal wound‐induced ROS since pathogens and grazers do not disappear in the dark.
The devil is in the details: genetic variation in introduced populations and its contributions to invasion
Authors: Dlugosch Katrina M. , Anderson Samantha R. , Braasch Joseph , Cang F. Alice , Gillette Heather D.
Published: April 2015

The influence of genetic variation on invasion success has captivated researchers since the start of the field of invasion genetics 50 years ago. We review the history of work on this question and conclude that genetic variation—as surveyed with molecular markers—appears to shape invasion rarely. Instead, there is a significant disconnect between marker assays and ecologically relevant genetic variation in introductions. We argue that the potential for adaptation to facilitate invasion will be shaped by the details of genotypes affecting phenotypes, and we highlight three areas in which we see opportunities to make powerful new insights. (i) The genetic architecture of adaptive variation. Traits shaped by large‐effect alleles may be strongly impacted by founder events yet more likely to respond to selection when genetic drift is strong. Large‐effect loci may be especially relevant for traits involved in biotic interactions. (ii) Cryptic genetic variation exposed during invasion. Introductions have strong potential to uncover masked variation due to alterations in genetic and ecological environments. (iii) Genetic interactions during admixture of multiple source populations. As divergence among sources increases, positive followed by increasingly negative effects of admixture should be expected. Although generally hypothesized to be beneficial during invasion, admixture is most often reported among sources of intermediate divergence, supporting the possibility that incompatibilities among divergent source populations might be limiting their introgression. Finally, we note that these details of invasion genetics can be coupled with comparative demographic analyses to link genetic changes to the evolution of invasiveness itself.
Order, Order Everywhere, and Only an Agent to Think: The Cognitive Compulsion to Infer Intentional Agents
Authors: Keil Frank C. , Newman George E.
Published: April 2015

Several studies demonstrate that an intuitive link between agents and order emerges within the first year of life. This appreciation seems importantly related to similar forms of inference, such as the Argument from Design. We suggest, however, that infants and young children may be more accurate in their tendencies to infer agents from order than older children and adults, who often infer intentional agents when there are none. Thus, the earliest inferences about intentional agents based on order may be quite accurate and resistant to non‐intentional foils, but with further cognitive development and overgeneralization, links between order and agents may emerge that, with the right socio‐cultural prompts, can lead to the Argument from Design.
Emotion Recognition as Pattern Recognition: The Relevance of Perception
Authors: Newen Albert , Welpinghus Anna , Juckel Georg
Published: April 2015

We develop a version of a direct perception account of emotion recognition on the basis of a metaphysical claim that emotions are individuated as patterns of characteristic features. On our account, emotion recognition relies on the same type of pattern recognition as is described for object recognition. The analogy allows us to distinguish two forms of directly perceiving emotions, namely perceiving an emotion in the (near) absence of any top‐down processes, and perceiving an emotion in a way that significantly involves some top‐down processes (including expectations and background knowledge); and, in addition, an inference‐based evaluation of an emotion. Our model clarifies the epistemology of emotion recognition.
Differential regulation of toxoflavin production and its role in the enhanced virulence of Burkholderia gladioli
Authors: Lee Jongyun , Park Jungwook , Kim Sunyoung , Park Inmyoung , Seo Young‐Su
Published: April 2015

Burkholderia gladioli is a causal agent of bacterial panicle blight and sheath/grain browning in rice in many countries. Many strains produce the yellow pigment toxoflavin, which is highly toxic to plants, fungi, animals and microorganisms. Although there have been several studies on the toxoflavin biosynthesis system of B. glumae, it is still unclear how B. gladioli activates toxoflavin biosynthesis. In this study, we explored the genomic organization of the toxoflavin system of B. gladioli and its biological functions using comparative genomic analysis between toxoflavin‐producing strains (B. glumae BGR1 and B. gladioli BSR3) and a strain not producing toxoflavin (B. gladioli KACC11889). The latter exhibits normal physiological characteristics similar to other B. gladioli strains. Burkholderia gladioli KACC11889 possesses all the genes involved in toxoflavin biosynthesis, but lacks the quorum‐sensing (QS) system that functions as an on/off switch for toxoflavin biosynthesis. These data suggest that B. gladioli has evolved to use the QS signalling cascade of toxoflavin production (TofI/TofR of QS → ToxJ or ToxR → tox operons) similar to that in B. glumae. However, some strains may have evolved to eliminate toxoflavin production through deletion of the QS genes. In addition, we demonstrate that the toxoflavin biosynthetic system enhances the virulence of B. gladioli. These findings provide another line of evidence supporting the differential regulation of the toxoflavin system in Burkholderia strains.
Extrapolating multi‐decadal plant community changes based on medium‐term experiments can be risky: evidence from high‐latitude tundra
Authors: Saccone Patrick , Virtanen Risto
Published: April 2015

For most experimental studies the short‐term responses to manipulation often differ from the long‐term changes in the community composition, dynamics or functioning. Such discrepancy limits the translation of experimental results into key ecological topics such as global environmental change.

Here we analyzed plant community dynamics from a 23‐year transplant experiment in the Fennoscandian mountain tundra and explored how well the pattern of responses over the first 12 years of the experiment can predict longer‐term changes. Sod‐blocks of tundra heath vegetation were transplanted to a snowbed 150 m higher in elevation from their origin, where, with contrasting levels of soil wetness, half of the transplants were protected from mammalian herbivores. Throughout the experiment, community changes strongly depended on both plant functional types and experimental treatments. The first 12 years were characterized by a response to transplantation to the snowbed showing a strong increase of graminoid and a decrease of shrub abundances in the transplants. In the longer term, the community divergence increased in particular in response to grazing and soil wetness within the snowbed, while graminoid dominance disappeared. Markov chain models captured the main trends during the first 12 years but they failed to predict their relative abundance after 23 years. In particular, the late dominance of bryophytes in the wet snowbed, the recovery of shrubs in the dry exclosures, and the subordinate status of graminoids deviated from the extrapolation based on the medium‐term trends.

Despite clear community dynamical trajectories detected in the first decade, the differences in the temporal scale of both treatment effects and plant functional type responses limited their ability to extrapolate longer‐term trajectories. We find that increasing focus on long‐term experiments is a crucial step to understanding the processes involved in the response of plant communities to global environmental change.
Development of a nurse‐assisted preanesthesia evaluation program for pediatric outpatient anesthesia
Authors: Wittkugel Eric , Varughese Anna
Published: April 2015

Background

Historically, anesthesiologists have conducted preanesthesia evaluation, but more recently, nurse practitioners (NPs) are increasingly assisting with the preanesthesia evaluation of children. In the current economic environment for healthcare, strategies to provide superior outcomes and exceptional patient experience at the lowest possible cost are constantly being explored. We examined whether well trained nurses, working alongside NPs, could safely and effectively assist in preanesthesia evaluation. The aim of this quality improvement project was to implement a new model for preanesthesia evaluation for healthy outpatient pediatric patients: nurse‐assisted preanesthesia evaluation (NAPE).

Methods

Using quality improvement methods, Key Driver Diagrams and SMART aims gave direction for the training and clinical implementation of this new process. Using small tests of change and Plan‐Do‐Study‐Act cycles, we developed a training process and a stepwise process to integrate them into the clinical work flow. The primary outcome measure was the proportion of the total preanesthesia evaluations in which the Anesthesia Nurses assisted. To ensure quality and safety, data on balancing measures and quality metrics were collected.

Results

The weekly percentage of outpatients evaluated by Anesthesia Nurses increased from 0% to 55% within the first 4 months and was then sustained. The remaining patients were evaluated by the Anesthesia NPs. The balancing measures did not show any significant negative effect. Our perioperative quality metrics were also not changed significantly.

Conclusion

Using quality improvement methods, we successfully improved the utilization of staff resources by adding an Anesthesia Nurse‐assisted preanesthesia evaluation program alongside our NPs to provide outstanding preanesthesia care at the lowest possible cost.
A Short‐Cut Method of Estimating Capital Stocks: When Can It be Used and How Well Does It Work?
Authors: Blades Derek
Published: April 2015

Relatively few countries currently publish estimates of capital stocks because of the difficulty of applying the Perpetual Inventory Method. A short‐cut method which we term the Steady Growth Model (SGM) can produce plausible capital stock estimates provided certain conditions are met. Starting with a database covering 146 countries we conclude that the SGM can legitimately be used to calculate capital stocks for 53 of them. The 53 include equal numbers of high‐income and low‐income countries. The SGM requires only data on gross fixed capital formation for the base year, information about past growth rates of real GFCF, and assumptions about rates of depreciation. Despite its apparent simplicity, we show that our SGM stock estimates compare well with official stock estimates generated by the PIM. Other tests on capital–output ratios and capital‐stocks per head confirm the plausibility of stock estimates generated by SGM.
A Hierarchical Latent Class Model for Predicting Disability Small Area Counts from Survey Data
Authors: Fabrizi Enrico , Montanari Giorgio E. , Giovanna Ranalli M.
Published: April 2015

We consider the estimation of the number of severely disabled people by using data from the Italian survey on ‘Health conditions and appeal to Medicare’. In this survey, disability is indirectly measured by using a set of categorical items, which consider a set of functions concerning the ability of a person to accomplish everyday tasks. Latent class models can be employed to classify the population according to different levels of a latent variable connected with disability. The survey is designed to provide reliable estimates at the level of administrative regions (‘Nomenclature des unités territoriales statistiques’, level 2), whereas local authorities are interested in quantifying the number of people who belong to each latent class at a subregional level. Therefore, small area estimation techniques should be used. The challenge is that the variable of interest is not observed. Adopting a full Bayesian approach, we base small area estimation on a latent class model in which the probability of belonging to each latent class changes with covariates and the influence of age is learnt from the data by using penalized splines. Demmler–Reinsch bases are shown to improve speed and mixing of Markov chain Monte Carlo chains used to simulate posteriors.
Progressive outer retinal necrosis in a renal transplant recipient: a rare treatment success
Authors: Chan G.C.W. , Yap D.Y.H. , Kwan L.P.Y. , Chan J.F.W. , Iu L.P. , Wong I.Y. , Tang S.C.W.
Published: April 2015

Renal transplant recipients (RTRs) are subject to a variety of opportunistic infections. We present a rare case of varicella zoster virus‐derived progressive outer retinal necrosis in an RTR, who presented with painless visual blurring. This clinical entity heralds an extremely poor visual prognosis and is an important condition to consider in any immunocompromised host. Early diagnosis by aqueous fluid sampling and immediate institution of combined systemic and intravitreal antiviral therapy was successful in this individual.
Candida arteritis in kidney transplant recipients: case report and review of the literature
Authors: Dębska‐Ślizień A. , Chrobak Ł. , Bzoma B. , Perkowska A. , Zadrożny D. , Chamienia A. , Kostro J. , Milecka A. , Bronk M. , Śledziński Z. , Rutkowski B.
Published: April 2015

Multi‐organ procurement is a risk factor for contamination of preservation fluid with intestinal flora including fungi (e.g., Candida). Transmission of fungal species to the graft vessel can cause mycotic arteritis. This is a very rare but life‐threatening complication of renal transplantation. We present 2 cases of renal transplant recipients from the same multi‐organ donor. Both recipients suffered from severe hemorrhages from renal graft anastomosis and renal artery pseudoaneurysm due to Candida albicans arteritis (CAA). The culture of the preservation fluid revealed growth of Escherichia coli, but neither preservation fluid nor multiple routine blood cultures performed before hemorrhagic complications revealed fungal growth (media non‐selective for fungal growth were applied). The first recipient suffered from sudden severe hemorrhage in the area of graft anastomosis on day 10 post surgery (without any preceding clinical or radiological symptoms). This led to urgent surgery and graftectomy, which was complicated by cardio‐respiratory arrest with resuscitation in the operating room; despite resuscitation, irreversible brain damage, and subsequent death occurred in the intensive care unit (ICU) 2 weeks later (on day 24 after transplantation). The second patient underwent urgent vascular surgery on day 22 (after transplantation), because of hemorrhage from a pseudoaneurysm of the graft artery. She required repeated vascular operations, extended antimicrobial and antifungal therapy, and ICU monitoring and, despite these interventions, she died on day 80 after transplantation as a result of Pseudomonas aeruginosa sepsis. Arteritis of the renal artery in both patients was caused by C. albicans. This was confirmed by histopathology: infiltration of renal artery with budding yeast forming pseudohyphae (Case 1), and the presence of C. albicans in the culture of the renal artery and surrounding tissue (Case 2). We conclude that organ preservation solution should be cultured with use of media selective for fungal growth. As soon as the positive culture is detected, appropriate measures protecting patients against CAA should be undertaken.
MGF enhances tenocyte invasion through MMP‐2 activity via the FAK‐ERK1/2 pathway
Authors: Zhang Bingyu , Luo Qing , Sun Jinghui , Xu Baiyao , Ju Yang , Yang Li , Song Guanbin
Published: April 2015

Tendon regeneration and healing requires tenocytes to move to the repair site followed by proliferation and synthesis of the extracellular matrix. A novel synthetic growth factor, mechano‐growth factor (MGF), has been discovered to have positive roles in tissue repair through the improvement of cell proliferation and migration and the protection of cells against injury‐induced apoptosis. However, it remains unclear whether MGF has the potential to accelerate tendon repair. In this study, using a transwell system, we found that MGF‐C25E (a synthetic mechano‐growth factor E peptide) significantly promotes tenocyte invasion, which was accompanied by the increased phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and extracellular signal regulated kinase1/2 (ERK1/2) as well as the increased activity of matrix metalloproteinases‐2 (MMP‐2). The MMP‐2 inhibitor OA‐Hy blocked MGF‐C25E‐promoted tenocyte invasion. Inhibitors of FAK or ERK1/2 blocked MGF‐C25E‐promoted tenocyte invasion and MMP‐2 activity as well. These results indicate that MGF‐C25E promotes tenocyte invasion by increasing MMP‐2 activity via the FAK‐ERK1/2 signaling pathway. Taken together, our findings provide the first evidence that MGF‐C25E enhances tenocyte invasion and indicate that it may serve as a potential repair material for promoting the healing and regeneration of injured tendons.
Negative pressure wound therapy technologies for chronic wound care in the home setting: A systematic review
Authors: Rhee Susan M. , Valle M. Frances , Wilson Lisa M. , Lazarus Gerald , Zenilman Jonathan M. , Robinson Karen A.
Published: April 2015

The use of negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) is increasing in both the inpatient and outpatient settings. We conducted a systematic review on the efficacy and safety of NPWT for the treatment of chronic wounds in the home setting. We searched MEDLINE, Embase, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, up to June 2014. Two independent reviewers screened search results. Seven studies met our criteria for inclusion. Six of the studies compared NPWT devices to other wound care methods and one study compared two different NPWT technologies. Data were limited by variability in the types of comparator groups, methodological limitations, and poor reporting of outcomes. We were unable to draw conclusions about the efficacy or safety of NPWT for the treatment of chronic wounds in the home setting due to the insufficient evidence. Consensus is needed on the methods of conducting and reporting wound care research so that future studies are able inform decisions about the use of NPWT in the home environment for chronic wounds.
Triple Bottom Line and Sustainability: A Literature Review
Authors: Alhaddi Hanan
Published: April 2015

Triple bottom line (TBL) and sustainability are two related constructs that are used interchangeably in the literature.  A comprehensive review of the relevant literature was conducted and revealed an inconsistent use of the term sustainability.  On the other hand, consistency in terms of referring to the three lines simultaneously is built into the structure of TBL as the construct is explicitly based on the integration of the social, environmental, and economic lines.  The purpose of this paper is not to support an argument that favors the use of one term over the other, but to provide an overview of the presence of both terms in the literature. In light of that, researchers in the business, management, and sustainability fields are encouraged to pay particular attention to how they use these terms in their studies.
Membrane glucocorticoid receptors are localised in the extracellular matrix and signal through the MAPK pathway in mammalian skeletal muscle fibres
Authors: Boncompagni Simona , Arthurton Lewis , Akujuru Eugene , Pearson Timothy , Steverding Dietmar , Protasi Feliciano , Mutungi Gabriel
Published: April 2015

Key points

Many studies have previously suggested the existence of stress hormone receptors on the cell membrane of many cell types, including skeletal muscle fibres; however, the exact localisation of these receptors and how they signal to the rest of the cell is poorly understood.

In this study, we investigated the localisation and the mechanism(s) underlying the physiological functions of these receptors in mouse skeletal muscle cells.

We found that the receptors were present throughout muscle development and that, in adult muscle fibres, they were localised in the extracellular matrix, satellite cells (muscle stem cells) and close to mitochondria.

We also found that they signalled to the rest of the cell by activating enzymes called mitogen‐activated protein kinases.

From these results we suggest that, at physiological concentrations, stress hormones may be important in skeletal muscle differentiation, repair and regeneration.

A number of studies have previously proposed the existence of glucocorticoid receptors on the plasma membrane of many cell types, including skeletal muscle fibres. However, their exact localisation and the cellular signalling pathway(s) they utilise to communicate with the rest of the cell are still poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the localisation and the mechanism(s) underlying the non‐genomic physiological functions of these receptors in mouse skeletal muscle cells. The results show that the receptors were localised in the cytoplasm in myoblasts, in the nucleus in myotubes, in the extracellular matrix, in satellite cells and in the proximity of mitochondria in adult muscle fibres. Also, they bound laminin in a glucocorticoid‐dependent manner. Treating small skeletal muscle fibre bundles with the synthetic glucocorticoid beclomethasone dipropionate increased the phosphorylation (= activation) of extracellular signal‐regulated kinases 1 and 2, c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase and p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase. This occurred within 5 min and depended on the fibre type and the duration of the treatment. It was also abolished by the glucocorticoid receptor inhibitor, mifepristone, and a monoclonal antibody against the receptor. From these results we conclude that the non‐genomic/non‐canonical physiological functions of glucocorticoids, in adult skeletal muscle fibres, are mediated by a glucocorticoid receptor localised in the extracellular matrix, in satellite cells and close to mitochondria, and involve activation of the mitogen‐activated protein kinase pathway.
Experimental Investigation of Drag Reducing Fluid Flow in Annular Geometry Using Particle Image Velocimetry Technique
Authors: Rodriguez Corredor Fabio E. , Bizhani Majid , Kuru Ergun
Published: April 2015

Fully developed turbulent flow of drag reducing fluids through a horizontal flow loop with concentric annular geometry was investigated using the particle image velocimetry (PIV) technique. Experiments were conducted at solvent Reynolds numbers ranged from 38,700 to 56,400. Axial mean velocity profile was found to be following the universal wall law close to the wall (i.e., y+ < 10), but it deviated from log law results with an increased slope in the logarithmic zone (i.e., y+ > 30). The study was also focused on turbulence statistics such as near wall Reynolds stress distribution, axial and radial velocity fluctuations, vorticity and turbulent kinetic energy budget.
The Dynamics of Second Ring Flutter and Collapse in Modern Diesel Engines
Authors: Cheng Chao , Schock Harold , Richardson Dan
Published: April 2015

Second ring fluttering and radial ring collapse are recognized as having significant influences on engine blowby and oil consumption. As the gas flow is coupled with the piston ring motion, understanding the ring dynamics is important for understanding not only the engine blowby mechanism, but also oil consumption mechanisms and how to control them. Only second ring flutter and collapse that occurs around the top dead center (TDC) firing conditions is examined in this paper based on a modern heavy-duty diesel engine. However, the principles described are equally applicable to all engines. First, the authors describe the fundamental mechanisms of how second ring fluttering and radial ring collapse occur. This is described by examining the forces that are acting on the second ring. Then, two cases are shown. One case shows second ring flutter and the other case shows stable second ring motion. The reasons for these two different cases are explained, including the effect of static twist and the end gaps of the rings. A sensitivity study was performed to evaluate the effect of changing the top and second ring end gaps on ring lift. It was shown how the gaps could affect the second ring flutter and ring collapse. It is concluded that the second ring will be more likely to flutter or collapse if it has a negative static twist, if the second ring end gap is large, and/or if the top ring end gap is small. If the second ring does not flutter, it may still be possible to design the ring pack such that there is not any reverse blowby. However, this must be carefully studied and controlled or the second land pressures will be too high, resulting in reverse blowby and/or top ring lifting.
Stress–Strain Measurements in Vitrified Arteries Permeated With Synthetic Ice Modulators
Authors: Eisenberg David P. , Rabin Yoed
Published: April 2015

This study measures the Young's modulus in vitrified blood vessels below the glass transition temperature in conditions relevant to cryogenic storage and focuses on the cryoprotective agents (CPAs) cocktail DP6 mixed with synthetic ice modulators (SIMs). Small steplike strain changes were observed during the loading without affecting the bulk behavior, suggesting microfracture occurrences resembling previous observation on microfracture formation under compression in crystallized blood vessels. Young's modulus was measured to be 0.92–3.01 GPa, with no clear indication of SIM dependency on the Young's modulus. Instead, the range of values is attributed to variations between specimens of the same species.
Theoretical Analysis of the Aerodynamics of Low-Speed Fans in Free and Load-Controlled Windmilling Operation
Authors: Binder Nicolas , Courty-Audren Suk-Kee , Duplaa Sebastien , Dufour Guillaume , Carbonneau Xavier
Published: April 2015

The present work is a contribution to understanding the windmilling operation of low-speed fans. Such an operating situation is described in the literature, but the context (mainly windmilling of aero-engines) often involves system dependence in the analysis. Most of the time, only regimes very close to the free-windmilling are considered. A wider range is analyzed in the present study, since the context is the examination of the energy recovery potential of fans. It aims at detailing the isolated contribution of the rotor, which is the only element exchanging energy with the flow. Other elements of the system (including the stator) can be considered as loss generators and be treated as such in an integrated approach. The evolution of the flow is described by the use of theoretical and experimental data. A theoretical model is derived to predict the operating trajectories of the rotor in two characteristic diagrams. A scenario is proposed, detailing the local evolution of the flow when a gradual progression toward free and load-controlled windmilling operation is imposed. An experimental campaign exerted on two low-speed fans aims at the analysis of both the local and global aspects of the performance, for validation. From a global point of view, the continuity of the operating trajectory is predicted and observed across the boundary between the quadrants of the diagrams. The flow coefficient value for the free-windmilling operation is fairly well predicted. From a local point of view, the local co-existence of compressor and turbine operating modes along the blade span is observed as previously reported. It is further demonstrated here that this configuration is not exclusive to free-windmilling operation and occurs inside a range that can be theoretically predicted. It is shown that for a given geometry, this local topology strongly depends on the value of the flow coefficient and is very sensitive to the inlet spanwise velocity distribution.
Stability of Viscoelastic Rings Under Radial Loads With Applications to Nuclear Technology
Authors: Merrett Craig G.
Published: April 2015

The mechanics of an elastic helical coil are well known; however, the replacement of the elastic material with a viscoelastic material introduces a time dependency that requires a re-examination of the mechanics. A new theory has been developed that allows the prediction of the time to instability as a function of load, viscosity, and relaxation time, and is applied to an exemplar polyvinyl chloride (PVC) ring. The PVC ring shows that twist buckling dominates the instability, and the maximum critical time is approximately 90% of the relaxation period of the material achieved at a viscosity of 50%. Some viscosity is desirable to utilize the energy dissipation ability of a viscoelastic material. The new theory has a practical application in the field of nuclear reactor component design because the metals within the reactor are exposed to elevated temperatures thus exhibiting viscoelastic behavior. The Canadian Deuterium (CANDU®) reactor uses garter springs as spacers within the calandria of the reactor, and these spacers have been observed to move. A better understanding of the mechanics of the spacers may lead to improved spacer design.
Building a spring-transport package for spinning rotor gauges
Authors: Fedchak James A. , Scherschligt Julia , Sefa Makfir , Phandinh Nicholas
Published: April 2015

Spinning rotor gauges (SRGs) are widely used as transfer standards in interlaboratory comparisons and as secondary standards by calibration laboratories. In both of these applications, it is necessary to ship the SRG for calibration, often internationally over long distances. A spring-transport mechanism is a device used to immobilize the SRG and keep it under vacuum during transport. To assure that the SRG will not be damaged during shipment, it is also important to have packaging that protects the SRG and spring-transport mechanism. This shop-note describes the design and mechanical testing of a robust spring-transport mechanism and shipping container built by National Institute of Standards and Technology.
Structures of the CRISPR-Cmr complex reveal mode of RNA target positioning
Authors: Taylor David W. , Zhu Yifan , Staals Raymond H. J. , Kornfeld Jack E. , Shinkai Akeo , van der Oost John , Nogales Eva , Doudna Jennifer A.
Published: April 2015

Changing shape to destroy RNA

Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPRs) together with CRISPR-associated (Cas) proteins form an adaptive immune system that helps bacteria and archaea defend themselves against invading viruses and plasmids. CRISPR RNAs (crRNAs) target CRISPR-Cas protein complexes to the invaders, bringing about their destruction. Taylor
et al.
used cryo–electron microscopy to determine the structure of a 12-subunit CRISPR-Cas protein complex with crRNA from
Thermus thermophilus
, in the presence and absence of single-stranded target RNA. Binding to the target RNA causes a change in shape of the CRISPR-Cas complex that results in target recognition and destruction.

Science
, this issue p.
581
Applying the Behavioural Intervention Technologies model to the development of a smartphone application (app) supporting young peoples’ adherence to anaphylaxis action plan
Authors: Anderson Joanna K , Wallace Louise M
Published: April 2015

The incidence of fatal anaphylaxis is significantly higher among young people aged 15–25 compared with other age groups. Hospital admission or fatal outcome following anaphylaxis often results from failure to adhere to an agreed anaphylaxis action plan (AAP). The main barriers for adherence include lack of confidence to recognise symptoms of severe reaction, lack of confidence and skills to correctly use an adrenaline auto-injector (AAI), and not having the AAI available when needed. We describe the development of a smart phone application (app) to increase young peoples’ adherence to AAP. The development of the app was informed by information from a literature review to identify factors enhancing and impeding young peoples’ adherence to their AAP, combined with data from consultations with intended users and clinicians working with young people at risk of anaphylaxis regarding their needs and expectations with regard to the content and technical features of the app. The design process was underpinned by the novel Behavioural Intervention Technologies model. This ensured that the apps’ content is evidence based, complies with current guidelines, and responds to users’ needs and preferences in relation to content and technical characteristics. ‘Anaphylaxis’ app is the first smart phone app that comprises a comprehensive personalised AAP. Since its launch in February 2013, it has been downloaded by approximately 16 000 users worldwide. Further research is required to demonstrate its effectiveness in improving self-management of anaphylactic risk in young people.
Impact of cardiovascular risk factors and medication use on the efficacy of remote ischaemic conditioning: post hoc subgroup analysis of a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Sloth Astrid Drivsholm , Schmidt Michael Rahbek , Munk Kim , Schmidt Morten , Pedersen Lars , Toft Sørensen Henrik , Bøtker Hans Erik ,   CONDI Investigators
Published: April 2015

Objectives

Remote ischaemic conditioning (RIC) promotes cardioprotection in patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI) for ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). The effect of RIC may be modified by cardiovascular risk factors and their medications. We examined whether cardiovascular risk factors, lipid and glucose levels, and medication use influenced the efficacy of RIC in patients with STEMI treated with pPCI.

Design

Post hoc subgroup analysis of a single-centre randomised controlled trial.

Participants

A total of 139 patients with STEMI, randomised during ambulance transport to hospital for pPCI with (n=71) or without (n=68) RIC, met the trial criteria and achieved data for a myocardial salvage index (MSI).

Interventions

RIC was administered through intermittent arm ischaemia with four cycles of 5 min inflation and 5 min deflation of a blood pressure cuff.

Primary outcome measures

MSI, estimated by single-photon emission CT. We evaluated the efficacy of RIC on the MSI in patient subgroups of cardiovascular risk factors, lipid and glucose levels, and medication use.

Results

We found no significant difference in the efficacy of RIC in subgroups of cardiovascular risk factors, lipid and glucose levels, and medication use. However, point estimates indicated a reduced effect of RIC among smokers (median difference in MSI between RIC and control groups: −0.02 (95% CI −0.32 to 0.28) in smokers vs 0.25 (95% CI 0.08 to 0.42) in non-smokers, p value for interaction=0.13) and an increased effect of RIC in statin users (median difference in MSI between RIC and control groups: 0.34 (95% CI 0.03 to 0.65) in statin users vs 0.09 (95% CI −0.11 to 0.29) in non-statin users, p value for interaction=0.19).

Conclusions

RIC as an adjunct to pPCI seems to improve MSI in our trial population of patients with STEMI regardless of most cardiovascular risk factors and their medications. Our post hoc finding on a limited sample size calls for further investigation in large-scale multicentre trials.

Trial registration number

NCT00435266.
Acupuncture for benign prostatic hyperplasia: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Zhang Wei , Yu Jinna , Liu Zhishun , Peng Weina
Published: April 2015

Introduction

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a non-malignant enlargement of the prostate commonly encountered in older men. BPH has been treated with acupuncture inside and outside China, but its effects are uncertain. This review aims to assess the efficacy and safety of acupuncture therapy for BPH.

Methods and analysis

Seven databases will be searched from their inception: the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) in The Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Chinese Biomedical Database, the China National Knowledge Infrastructure, the VIP Database and Wanfang Database. Randomised controlled clinical trials using acupuncture to treat BPH will be included. Outcome measures included urological symptom scores, urodynamic measures and quality-of-life scales. Adverse events will be assessed and reported for safety evaluation. Study selection and data extraction will be performed by two independent reviewers. Quality assessment (assessment of risk of bias) and data synthesis will be implemented using Review Manager (RevMan) software (V.5.2.3).

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval is not necessary because this systematic review will not include specific patient data. Updates will be conducted if there is enough new evidence that may cause any change in review conclusions.

Trial registration number

PROSPERO CRD42014013645.