bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of Group A beta‐haemolytic Streptococcus isolated from children with acute pharyngotonsillitis in Aden, Yemen
Authors: Ba‐Saddik I. A. , Munibari A. A. , Alhilali A. M. , Ismail S. M. , Murshed F. M. , Coulter J. B. S. , Cuevas L. E. , Hart C. A. , Brabin B. J. , Parry C. M.
Published: January 2014

Objectives

To estimate the prevalence of Group A beta‐haemolytic streptococcus (GAS) and non‐GAS infections among children with acute pharyngotonsillitis in Aden, Yemen, to evaluate the value of a rapid diagnostic test and the McIsaac score for patient management in this setting and to determine the occurrence of emm genotypes among a subset of GAS isolated from children with acute pharyngotonsillitis and a history of acute rheumatic fever (ARF) or rheumatic heart disease (RHD).

Methods

Group A beta‐haemolytic streptococcus infections in school‐aged children with acute pharyngotonsillitis in Aden, Yemen, were diagnosed by a rapid GAS antigen detection test (RADT) and/or GAS culture from a throat swab. The RADT value and the McIsaac screening score for patient management were evaluated. The emm genotype of a subset of GAS isolates was determined.

Results

Group A beta‐haemolytic streptococcus pharyngotonsillitis was diagnosed in 287/691 (41.5%; 95% CI 37.8–45.3) children. Group B, Group C and Group G beta‐haemolytic streptococci were isolated from 4.3% children. The RADT had a sensitivity of 238/258 (92.2%) and specificity of 404/423 (95.5%) against GAS culture. A McIsaac score of ≥4 had a sensitivity of 93% and a specificity of 82% for confirmed GAS infection. The emm genotypes in 21 GAS isolates from children with pharyngitis and a history of ARF and confirmed RHD were emm87 (11), emm12 (6), emm28 (3) and emm5 (1).

Conclusion

This study demonstrates a very high prevalence of GAS infections in Yemeni children and the value of the RADT and the McIsaac score in this setting. More extensive emm genotyping is necessary to understand the local epidemiology of circulating strains.
Systematic evaluation of evidence on veterinary viscoelastic testing Part 5: Nonstandard assays
Authors: Brainard Benjamin M. , Goggs Robert , Mendez‐Angulo Jose L. , Mudge Margaret C. , Ralph Alan G. , Wiinberg Bo
Published: January 2014

Objective

To systematically examine the evidence on nontraditional uses of viscoelastic coagulation monitoring in veterinary species.

Design

Standardized, systematic evaluation of the literature, categorization of relevant articles according to level of evidence and quality, and development of consensus on conclusions for application of the concepts to clinical practice.

Setting

Academic and referral veterinary medical centers.

Results

Databases searched included Medline, CAB abstracts, and Google Scholar.

Conclusions

Nontraditional assays identified included thrombelastography (TEG)‐PlateletMapping (PM), functional fibrinogen assessment, and rapid‐TEG (r‐TEG). Direct veterinary evidence was found for only the ADP‐activated PM, which appears to generate valid data in dogs but not cats or horses. Arachidonic acid activated PM shows high variability and requires further assessment and validation in veterinary species. Functional fibrinogen assays may be performed in veterinary species but may require modification due to species differences in response to abciximab. While tissue factor (TF)‐activated TEG has been well described in the veterinary literature, the specific r‐TEG assay has not been assessed, but presumably would be effective for generating TEG tracings and values for maximum amplitude and angle in shorter periods of time than some traditional assays.
Immobilized laminin concentration gradients on electrospun fiber scaffolds for controlled neurite outgrowth
Authors: Zander Nicole E. , Beebe Thomas P.
Published: January 2014

Neuronal process growth is guided by extrinsic environmental cues such as extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. Recent reports have described that the growth cone extension is superior across gradients of the ECM protein laminin compared to growth across uniformly distributed laminin. In this work, the authors have prepared gradients of laminin on aligned electrospun nanofibers for use as substrates for neuronal growth. The substrates therefore presented both topographical and chemical guidance cues. Step gradients were prepared by the controlled robotic immersion of plasma-treated polycaprolactone fibers reacted with N-hydroxysuccinimide into the protein solution. The gradients were analyzed using x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy. Gradients with a dynamic range of protein concentrations were successfully generated and neurite outgrowth was evaluated using neuronlike pheochromocytoma cell line 12 (PC12) cells. After 10 days of culture, PC12 neurite lengths varied from 32.7 ± 14.2 μm to 76.3 ± 9.1 μm across the protein concentration gradient. Neurite lengths at the highest concentration end of the gradient were significantly longer than neurite lengths observed for cells cultured on samples with uniform protein coverage. Gradients were prepared both in the fiber direction and transverse to the fiber direction. Neurites preferentially aligned with the fiber direction in both cases indicating that fiber alignment has a more dominant role in controlling neurite orientation, compared to the chemical gradient.
Responses of Elite Road Motorcyclists to Racing in Tropical Conditions: A Case Study
Authors: Brearley Matt , Norton Ian , Kingsbury David , Maas Simon
Published: January 2014

Introduction:

Anecdotal reports suggest that elite road motorcyclists suffer from high core body temperatures and physiological and perceptual strain when competing in hot conditions.

Methods:

Four male non-heat-acclimatized elite motorcyclists (3 Superbike, 1 Supersport) had their gastrointestinal temperature, heart rate, and respiratory rate measured and recorded throughout practice, qualifying, and race sessions of an Australian Superbike and Supersport Championship round contested in tropical conditions. Physiological strain was calculated during the sessions, and fluid-balance measures were taken during practice and qualifying. Rider thermal sensation was assessed immediately postsession.

Results:

Mean ambient temperature and relative humidity were 29.5–30.2°C and 64.5–68.7%, respectively, across the sessions. Gastrointestinal temperature rose from 37.6°C to 37.7°C presession at a median rate of 0.035°C, 0.037°C ,and 0.067°C/min during practice, qualifying, and race sessions to reach medians of 38.9°C, 38.8°C, and 39.1°C postsession, respectively. The peak postsession gastrointestinal temperature was 39.8°C. Median heart rates were ~164, 160, and 177 beats/min during the respective practice, qualifying, and race sessions, contributing to median physiological strain of 5.5, 5.6, and 6.2 across the sessions. Sweat rates were 1.01 and 0.90 L/h during practice and qualifying sessions, while rider thermal sensation was very hot after each session.

Conclusions:

This investigation confirms that elite road motorcyclists endure moderate to high physiological strain during practice, qualifying, and race sessions, exhibiting more-rapid rates of body-heat storage, higher core body temperatures, and higher physiological and perceptual strain than their stock-car-racing counterparts when competing in tropical conditions.
Age and Task Differences in Functional Fitness in Older Women: Comparisons With Senior Fitness Test Normative and Criterion-Referenced Data
Authors: Adamo Diane E. , Talley Susan Ann , Goldberg Allon
Published: January 2014

Age-related changes in physical abilities, such as strength and flexibility, contribute to functional losses. However, older individuals may be unaware of what specific physical abilities compromise independent functioning. Three groups of women, aged 60 to 69, 70 to 79, and 80 to 92 years, were administered the Senior Fitness Test (SFT) to determine age differences in physical abilities and risk for functional losses. The oldest group showed significant differences in lower body strength, aerobic endurance, and agility and dynamic balance when compared with the other groups who performed similarly. Across all groups, a faster rate of decline was found for lower body strength (50.6%) and dynamic balance and agility (45.7%) than upper body strength (21.3%) and aerobic endurance (33.6%). Criterion-referenced (CR) fitness standards suggested that 45% of the individuals were at risk for loss of independent functioning. This study highlights age-related differences in physical abilities and the risk for the loss of independence in later life.
Toddler: An Embryonic Signal That Promotes Cell Movement via Apelin Receptors
Authors: Pauli Andrea , Norris Megan L. , Valen Eivind , Chew Guo-Liang , Gagnon James A. , Zimmerman Steven , Mitchell Andrew , Ma Jiao , Dubrulle Julien , Reyon Deepak , Tsai Shengdar Q. , Joung J. Keith , Saghatelian Alan , Schier Alexander F.
Published: January 2014

It has been assumed that most, if not all, signals regulating early development have been identified. Contrary to this expectation, we identified 28 candidate signaling proteins expressed during zebrafish embryogenesis, including Toddler, a short, conserved, and secreted peptide. Both absence and overproduction of Toddler reduce the movement of mesendodermal cells during zebrafish gastrulation. Local and ubiquitous production of Toddler promote cell movement, suggesting that Toddler is neither an attractant nor a repellent but acts globally as a motogen. Toddler drives internalization of G protein–coupled APJ/Apelin receptors, and activation of APJ/Apelin signaling rescues
toddler
mutants. These results indicate that Toddler is an activator of APJ/Apelin receptor signaling, promotes gastrulation movements, and might be the first in a series of uncharacterized developmental signals.
Draft Genome Sequence of Corynebacterium ulcerans FRC58, Isolated from the Bronchitic Aspiration of a Patient in France
Authors: Silva Andréia do Socorro de Sousa , Baraúna Rafael Azevedo , de Sá Pablo Caracciolo Gomes , das Graças Diego Assis , Carneiro Adriana Ribeiro , Thouvenin Maxime , Azevedo Vasco , Badell Edgar , Guiso Nicole , da Silva Artur Luiz da Costa , Ramos Rommel Thiago Jucá
Published: January 2014

Corynebacterium ulceransis a bacterial species with high importance because it causes infections in animals and, rarely, in humans. Its virulence mechanisms remain unclear. The current study describes the draft genome ofC. ulceransFRC58, which was isolated from the bronchitic aspiration of a patient in France.
Draft Genome Sequence of a Moderately Halophilic Bacillus megaterium Strain, MSP20.1, Isolated from a Saltern of the Little Rann of Kutch, India
Authors: Pal Kamal Krishna , Dey Rinku , Sherathia Dharmesh , Vanpariya Sejal , Patel Ilaxi , Dalsania Trupti , Savsani Kinjal , Sukhadiya Bhoomika , Mandaliya Mona , Thomas Manesh , Ghorai Sucheta , Rupapara Rupal , Rawal Priya , Shah Abhi , Bhayani Sharmila
Published: January 2014

The 4.37-Mbp draft genome of a moderately halophilic
Bacillus megaterium
strain, MSP20.1, isolated from a saltern of the Little Rann of Kutch, India, is reported here. To understand the mechanism(s) of moderate halophilism and to isolate the gene(s) involved in osmotolerance and adaptation, the genome of MSP20.1 was sequenced.
Genome Sequence of a Canine Parvovirus Strain, CPV-s5, Prevalent in Southern China
Authors: Zhu Yiping , Huang Yongliang , Wang Yifei , Chen Keren , Niu Xuefeng , Luo Yongwen , Guo Xiaofeng
Published: January 2014

A prevalent new field canine parvovirus type-2a (CPV-2a) strain, CPV-s5, was isolated from the feces of a dog with diarrhea in Shenzhen, China. The genome of CPV-s5 was determined and analyzed, which will facilitate further study of the molecular epidemiology and genetic diversity of CPV-2 field isolates in southern China.
Draft Genome Sequence of the Formaldehyde-Resistant Fungus
Byssochlamys spectabilis
No. 5 (Anamorph Paecilomyces variotii No. 5) (NBRC109023)
Authors: Oka Takuji , Ekino Keisuke , Fukuda Kohsai , Nomura Yoshiyuki
Published: January 2014

Byssochlamys spectabilis
no. 5 (anamorph
Paecilomyces variotii
no. 5) (NBRC109023) was isolated from a soil sample in 2001 in Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan. This fungus is highly resistant to formaldehyde. Here, we report a draft genome sequence of
P. variotii
no. 5; this draft was produced with the intent of investigating the mechanism of formaldehyde resistance. This is the first report of the genome sequence of any
Paecilomyces
species.
Bowel endometriosis
Authors: Galazis Nicolas , Arul Dhili , Wilson Jonathan , Pisal Narendra
Published: January 2014

Bowel obstruction accounts for 20% of hospital admissions due to acute abdominal pain. We report a case of acute bowel obstruction in a 31-year-old woman with a history of endometriosis diagnosed on laparoscopy a year before this presentation. Her clinical and biochemical picture suggested peritonitis and CT revealed an irregular soft tissue mass compressing a dilated rectosigmoid. Pockets of intraperitoneal gas were also documented and presumed to be secondary to bowel perforation at the level of the mass. Exploratory laparotomy was performed and the affected bowel was resected. Histology revealed extensive stricturing and fibrosis secondary to intestinal endometriosis. General practitioners, gastroenterologists and general surgeons are likely to encounter endometriosis, need to be competent in its diagnosis and management and collaborate promptly with the gynaecologist. Endometriosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of every woman of childbearing age who presents with any gastrointestinal or abdominal symptom.
Impact of a GP-led walk-in centre on NHS emergency departments
Authors: Arain M , Campbell M J , Nicholl J P
Published: January 2014

Objective

To determine the impact of the GP-led walk-in centre (WIC) in Sheffield (England) on the demand for emergency department (ED) care.

Methods

A survey of patients visiting the Sheffield GP WIC was conducted over 3 weeks during September and October 2011. A short, postvisit questionnaire was also sent to those who agreed to determine if the patient had used another NHS service for the same problem. Routine data were obtained from the adult and children's EDs and minor injuries unit in Sheffield, 1 year before and 1 year after the opening of the GP WIC. A linear model of the number of minor daytime attendances (GP type) per month was used to estimate the impact of opening the GP WIC, after controlling for seasonal variation and a linear time trend.

Results

A total of 529 patients responded to the survey (response rate 51%). Based on their self-reported intentions, 64 of these patients (53 adults and 11 children) were diverted from going to ED in the 3-week survey period as a result of the establishment of the GP WIC. From this we would have expected around a 26% monthly reduction in GP-type attendances at adult ED, and 7% reduction at children's ED. However, routine data only showed an 8% (95% CI 1% to 16%) reduction at the adult ED. Reductions in GP-type attendances at the children's ED and the minor injury unit at the time of the opening of the GP WIC were also found, but were not statistically significant. The estimated impact on children's ED was a 14% reduction (95% CI −38% to 8%), and for minor injuries unit (MIU) a 4% reduction (95% CI −18 to 9%).

Conclusions

There was a statistically significant reduction in GP-type daytime attendances at the adult ED after the opening of the GP WIC. Since this reduction was not mirrored in changes in night-time attendances (when the GP WIC was closed), and our survey responses suggested some people were diverted from going to the ED, it is possible that the opening of the GP WIC caused this reduction.
Living alone and psychological well-being in mid-life: does partnership history matter?
Authors: Demey Dieter , Berrington Ann , Evandrou Maria , Falkingham Jane
Published: January 2014

Background

Previous studies have found that the duration since a union dissolution and the number of union dissolutions are associated with psychological well-being. However, these two aspects of partnership history have rarely been considered jointly in models of mental health. This study aims to investigate how the time since the most recent union dissolution and the number of union dissolutions are related to two indicators of psychological well-being—life satisfaction and the General Health Questionnaire—among middle-aged solo-living British men and women.

Methods

Data from the United Kingdom Household Longitudinal Study from 2009 to 2010 are analysed for 1201 50–64 year olds who were living alone and have ever been in a co-resident union (472 men and 729 women). Logistic regression analysis is used to investigate how life satisfaction and General Health Questionnaire 12 (GHQ-12) caseness are associated with partnership characteristics.

Results

GHQ-12 caseness is significantly and positively associated with the number of union dissolutions and negatively with the duration since the most recent union dissolution. This is the case among both genders, in models in which these partnership characteristics are entered separately and jointly, and in models controlling for parenthood status, socioeconomic status and physical health.

Conclusions

The results suggest that there is a short-term deterioration in mental health after a partnership break-up and that experiencing multiple union dissolutions is detrimental for psychological well-being. The association between partnership characteristics and the two measures of psychological well-being differs, which is in line with previous research showing that negative affect and life satisfaction are two separate constructs.
Fieldwork and the practical implications for completing qualitative research in the British Armed Forces
Authors: Finnegan Alan
Published: January 2014

This article provides direction regarding the practical implications of undertaking qualitative research within the British Army, and in particular the Defence Medical Services (DMS). Qualitative researchers must gather sufficient data to answer their research question, and guidance on using DMS healthcare professionals as the research sample is offered, including dealing with the ‘gatekeepers’ who control access, and the principles for creating a conducive environment to gather reliable data. Data collection is often through intensive interviewing where communication skills and personal awareness are vital to a successful study. Aids to a productive study include memo writing and listing factors that may later provide an insight into how the interviewees characterise and describe particular activities, events and groups. Guidance is offered to develop an interview schedule with questions related to each other in a seamless, meaningful way. Both the researcher's and participant's conscious and unconscious biases must be acknowledged. In this narrow and specialist field, DMS researchers need extensive knowledge of clinical practice and the military's distinctive language, characterised with nuances and abbreviations. These words portray meanings and perspectives that signpost the participants’ view of their empirical world. Early identification, without having to seek clarification, means that the researcher can examine hidden assumptions in the sample’s own language.
Prevalence of paratuberculosis in cattle and control measures within the herd influence the performance of ELISA tests
Authors: Donat K. , Schlotter K. , Erhardt G. , Brandt H. R.
Published: January 2014

Commercial ELISA kits are widely used in the diagnosis of paratuberculosis of dairy cattle. It is critically important to understand the influences on these test results and their relation to faecal culture (FC) results in order to interpret the findings and to make decisions concerning serial testing and control measures. A total of 1021 cattle (423 FC positive, 598 FC negative) from 14 Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) positive herds were tested with four ELISA systems and FC simultaneously to calculate the kappa coefficients for the agreement of the different ELISA systems as well as find influencing factors. For the agreement of FC and ELISA, the kappa coefficients were low and ranged from 0.19 to 0.24, whereas, results of the different ELISA were consistently high (0.74–0.90). Agreement with FC was enhanced with the duration of control (P≤0.001) and the lactation number (P≤0.01), and reduced with within‐herd prevalence (P≤0.001). There were substantial differences in the detection rate of low (15–24 per cent) and high (85–100 per cent) MAP shedders. In conclusion, the factors shown to influence test sensitivity, should be taken into account for validation and interpretation of ELISA tests. The benefit of serial ELISA testing is low.
A NEW FORMULATION OF GEOMETRIC MOMENTS FROM LOWER OUTPUT VALUES OF DIGITAL FILTERS
Authors: SHAKIBAEI BARMAK HONARVAR , PARAMESRAN RAVEENDRAN
Published: January 2014

An important aspect of the real-time image processing applications using orthogonal moments is the speed of their computation. They can be computed directly or via geometric moments (GMs). One of the fast methods to generate GMs is the usage of the cascaded digital filter outputs. However, a concern of this design is that the outputs of the digital filters, which operate as accumulators, increase exponentially as the orders of moment increase. It is shown in previous works, for an N × N image, the digital filter outputs are sampled at N or later instances. In this paper, we propose a new formulation to solve this problem by using a set of lower digital filter output values as the order of moments increases. This is achieved by sampling the digital filter outputs at earlier instances, N, N - 1, N - 2,…,N - p, where p is the maximum moment order. This method enables the usage of the lower digital filter output values for higher-order moments. As the moment order approaches N, the number of additions is approximately 45% less for the proposed method when compared with the existing methods, resulting in a corresponding reduction in computation time.
Automatic detection of wrinkle ridges in Venusian Magellan imagery
Authors: Barata M. T. , Lopes F. C. , Pina P. , Alves E. I. , Saraiva J.
Published: January 2014

Wrinkle ridges constitute one of the most abundant tectonic features on terrestrial planetary surfaces. On Venus, evidence suggests a connection between wrinkle ridges and the climatic evolution of the planet. However, like other planets and moons that experience more active surface geological processes, such as Earth, Mars, Europa, Io and Titan, visible impact craters on the Venusian surface are less common because they are eroded, buried or transformed by tectonics or other geological processes over time. It is of great importance to identify and understand some characteristics of those surface morphologies, such as orientation, length, spacing, original dimension and topography. Nevertheless, these parameters can only be computed on remotely sensed images after their segmentation. Until now, the manual identification of these features has been focused on those of major geological significance, leaving many more to be identified, mapped and studied. The main aim of this paper is to provide a method for automatic detection of wrinkle ridges from Magellan Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) imagery at different scales. The proposed algorithm, based on a combination of fractal dimension and morphological operators, identifies regions of interest to this study, namely those of anisotropic behaviour, but also impact craters and their ejecta blankets. The high performances achieved in a variety of situations demonstrate that its robustness can be applied to an automated procedure.
Epidermal growth factor receptor plays a role in the regulation of liver and plasma lipid levels in adult male mice
Authors: Scheving Lawrence A. , Zhang Xiuqi , Garcia Oscar A. , Wang Rebecca F. , Stevenson Mary C. , Threadgill David W. , Russell William E.
Published: January 2014

Dsk5 mice have a gain of function in the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), caused by a point mutation in the kinase domain. We analyzed the effect of this mutation on liver size, histology, and composition. We found that the livers of 12-wk-old male Dsk5 heterozygotes (+/ Dsk5) were 62% heavier compared with those of wild-type controls (+/+). The livers of the +/ Dsk5 mice compared with +/+ mice had larger hepatocytes with prominent, polyploid nuclei and showed modestly increased cell proliferation indices in both hepatocytes and nonparenchymal cells. An analysis of total protein, DNA, and RNA (expressed relative to liver weight) revealed no differences between the mutant and wild-type mice. However, the livers of the +/ Dsk5 mice had more cholesterol but less phospholipid and fatty acid. Circulating cholesterol levels were twice as high in adult male +/ Dsk5 mice but not in postweaned young male or female mice. The elevated total plasma cholesterol resulted mainly from an increase in low-density lipoprotein (LDL). The +/ Dsk5 adult mouse liver expressed markedly reduced protein levels of LDL receptor, no change in proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9, and a markedly increased fatty acid synthase and 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-CoA reductase. Increased expression of transcription factors associated with enhanced cholesterol synthesis was also observed. Together, these findings suggest that the EGFR may play a regulatory role in hepatocyte proliferation and lipid metabolism in adult male mice, explaining why elevated levels of EGF or EGF-like peptides have been positively correlated to increased cholesterol levels in human studies.
Inhibitory signaling by CB1 receptors in smooth muscle mediated by GRK5/β-arrestin activation of ERK1/2 and Src kinase
Authors: Mahavadi Sunila , Sriwai Wimolpak , Huang Jiean , Grider John R. , Murthy Karnam S.
Published: January 2014

We examined whether CB1 receptors in smooth muscle conform to the signaling pattern observed with other Gi-coupled receptors that stimulate contraction via two Gβγ-dependent pathways (PLC-β3 and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/integrin-linked kinase). Here we show that the anticipated Gβγ-dependent signaling was abrogated. Except for inhibition of adenylyl cyclase via Gαi, signaling resulted from Gβγ-independent phosphorylation of CB1 receptors by GRK5, recruitment of β-arrestin1/2, and activation of ERK1/2 and Src kinase. Neither uncoupling of CB1 receptors from Gi by pertussis toxin (PTx) or Gi minigene nor expression of a Gβγ-scavenging peptide had any effect on ERK1/2 activity. The latter was abolished in muscle cells expressing β-arrestin1/2 siRNA. CB1 receptor internalization and both ERK1/2 and Src kinase activities were abolished in cells expressing kinase-deficient GRK5(K215R). Activation of ERK1/2 and Src kinase endowed CB1 receptors with the ability to inhibit concurrent contractile activity. We identified a consensus sequence (102KSPSKLSP109) for phosphorylation of RGS4 by ERK1/2 and showed that expression of a RGS4 mutant lacking Ser103/Ser108 blocked the ability of anandamide to inhibit acetylcholine-mediated phosphoinositide hydrolysis or enhance Gαq:RGS4 association and inactivation of Gαq. Activation of Src kinase by anandamide enhanced both myosin phosphatase RhoA-interacting protein (M-RIP):RhoA and M-RIP:MYPT1 association and inhibited Rho kinase activity, leading to increase of myosin light chain (MLC) phosphatase activity and inhibition of sustained muscle contraction. Thus, unlike other Gi-coupled receptors in smooth muscle, CB1 receptors did not engage Gβγ but signaled via GRK5/β-arrestin activation of ERK1/2 and Src kinase: ERK1/2 accelerated inactivation of Gαq by RGS4, and Src kinase enhanced MLC phosphatase activity, leading to inhibition of ACh-stimulated contraction.
Are you bleeding? Validation of a machine-learning algorithm for determination of blood volume status: application to remote triage
Authors: Rickards Caroline A. , Vyas Nisarg , Ryan Kathy L. , Ward Kevin R. , Andre David , Hurst Gennifer M. , Barrera Chelsea R. , Convertino Victor A.
Published: January 2014

Due to limited remote triage monitoring capabilities, combat medics cannot currently distinguish bleeding soldiers from those engaged in combat unless they have physical access to them. The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that low-level physiological signals can be used to develop a machine-learning algorithm for tracking changes in central blood volume that will subsequently distinguish central hypovolemia from physical activity. Twenty-four subjects underwent central hypovolemia via lower body negative pressure (LBNP), and a supine-cycle exercise protocol. Exercise workloads were determined by matching heart rate responses from each LBNP level. Heart rate and stroke volume (SV) were measured via Finometer. ECG, heat flux, skin temperature, galvanic skin response, and two-axis acceleration were obtained from an armband (SenseWear Pro2) and used to develop a machine-learning algorithm to predict changes in SV as an index of central blood volume under both conditions. The algorithm SV was retrospectively compared against Finometer SV. A model was developed to determine whether unknown data points could be correctly classified into these two conditions using leave-one-out cross-validation. Algorithm vs. Finometer SV values were strongly correlated for LBNP in individual subjects (mean r = 0.92; range 0.75–0.98), but only moderately correlated for exercise (mean r = 0.50; range −0.23–0.87). From the first level of LBNP/exercise, the machine-learning algorithm was able to distinguish between LBNP and exercise with high accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity (all ≥90%). In conclusion, a machine-learning algorithm developed from low-level physiological signals could reliably distinguish central hypovolemia from exercise, indicating that this device could provide battlefield remote triage capabilities.
Novel, high-intensity exercise prescription improves muscle mass, mitochondrial function, and physical capacity in individuals with Parkinson's disease
Authors: Kelly Neil A. , Ford Matthew P. , Standaert David G. , Watts Ray L. , Bickel C. Scott , Moellering Douglas R. , Tuggle S. Craig , Williams Jeri Y. , Lieb Laura , Windham Samuel T. , Bamman Marcas M.
Published: January 2014

We conducted, in persons with Parkinson's disease (PD), a thorough assessment of neuromotor function and performance in conjunction with phenotypic analyses of skeletal muscle tissue, and further tested the adaptability of PD muscle to high-intensity exercise training. Fifteen participants with PD (Hoehn and Yahr stage 2–3) completed 16 wk of high-intensity exercise training designed to simultaneously challenge strength, power, endurance, balance, and mobility function. Skeletal muscle adaptations ( P < 0.05) to exercise training in PD included myofiber hypertrophy (type I: +14%, type II: +36%), shift to less fatigable myofiber type profile, and increased mitochondrial complex activity in both subsarcolemmal and intermyofibrillar fractions (I: +45–56%, IV: +39–54%). These adaptations were accompanied by a host of functional and clinical improvements ( P < 0.05): total body strength (+30–56%); leg power (+42%); single leg balance (+34%); sit-to-stand motor unit activation requirement (−30%); 6-min walk (+43 m), Parkinson's Disease Quality of Life Scale (PDQ-39, −7.8pts); Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) total (−5.7 pts) and motor (−2.7 pts); and fatigue severity (−17%). Additionally, PD subjects in the pretraining state were compared with a group of matched, non-PD controls (CON; did not exercise). A combined assessment of muscle tissue phenotype and neuromuscular function revealed a higher distribution and larger cross-sectional area of type I myofibers and greater type II myofiber size heterogeneity in PD vs. CON ( P < 0.05). In conclusion, persons with moderately advanced PD adapt to high-intensity exercise training with favorable changes in skeletal muscle at the cellular and subcellular levels that are associated with improvements in motor function, physical capacity, and fatigue perception.
Morphofunctional alterations of the nonpregnant murine uterus in response to intense and exhaustive exercise are not related to oxidative stress
Authors: Costa Alessandra E. A. , Silva Joelmir L. V. , Simões Manuel J. , Nouailhetas Viviane L. A.
Published: January 2014

Exercise is a common and noninvasive way to improve human health. In contrast, intense exercise causes damage in various tissues and is usually associated with metabolic changes in organs and tissues. Even though intense exercise is associated with dysfunctions in the female reproductive system, much less is known about the cellular mechanisms underlying its effects particularly on the nonpregnant uterus. We investigated whether the effects of an intense and exhaustive exercise (IEE) program on the isolated C57BL/6 uterine morphology and contractility might be related to increased levels of prooxidation markers. Female mice were submitted to 2 days of IEE. The daily exercise session consisted of a running session until exhaustion, with the treadmill speed set at 85% of each animal's maximum velocity. Training responses were evaluated through two parameters: time to exhaustion and maximum velocity. Absence of exercise-induced hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activation was indirectly evaluated by maintenance of the adrenal gland weight. IEE reduced the thickness of the longitudinal muscular layer by 10%, impaired contractility in response to muscarinic stimulation (increased EC50 and decreased Emax), but showed a strong trend to decreasing the KCl-induced contraction; reduced lipid peroxidation; and did not alter the uterine protein oxidation of exercised animals compared with control. Altogether we provide evidence for the nonpregnant murine uterus being an important target to IEE, leading to morphofunctional alterations which could not be associated with tissue oxidative stress but might well be related with exercise-induced uterine dysfunctions.
Audiometric Characteristics of a Dutch Family with a New Mutation in GATA3 Causing HDR Syndrome
Authors: van Beelen E. , Leijendeckers J.M. , Admiraal R.J.C. , Huygen P.L.M. , Hoefsloot L.H. , Pennings R.J.E. , Snik A.F.M. , Kunst H.P.M.
Published: January 2014

We present the case of a Dutch family with a new mutation (c523_528dup) in GATA3 causing HDR syndrome. HDR syndrome is characterised by hypoparathyroidism, deafness and renal defects. In this study, we describe the audiometric characteristics of 5 patients from this family. Their hearing impairment was congenital, bilateral and symmetric. Audiograms showed mild-to-moderate hearing impairment with a flat audiogram configuration. Higher frequencies tended to be affected more strongly. Cross-sectional analyses showed no progression, and a mean audiogram was established. Psychophysical measurements in 3 HDR patients - including speech reception in noise, loudness scaling, gap detection and difference limen for frequency - were obtained to assess hearing function in greater detail. Overall, the results of the psychophysical measurements indicated characteristics of outer hair cell loss. CT scanning showed no anomalies in 3 of the HDR patients. Although 2 patients displayed vestibular symptoms, no anomalies in the vestibular system were found by vestibulo-ocular examination. Our results are in agreement with the theory that outer hair cell malfunctioning can play a major role in HDR syndrome.
Non-Infantile Desmoplastic Cerebellar Ganglioglioma in a Patient with Multiple Congenital Anomalies: A Rare Association
Authors: Gundamaneni Sudheer Kumar , Ganesh C.V. Shankar , Mahadevan Anita , Madhugiri Venkatesh S. , Sasidharan Gopalakrishnan M. , Kumar V.R. Roopesh
Published: January 2014

Numerous syndromes with craniofacial, cardiac, cutaneous and vascular anomalies have been described in the literature. Here we report on a 9-year-old girl who was diagnosed as having a clavicular arteriovenous malformation with limb enlargement, an axillary port wine stain and macrocephaly with frontal bossing. She was investigated for enlarged head size; although she did not have hydrocephalus as initially suspected, she was found to have a right cerebellar lesion. This was excised and the pathology report was diagnostic of desmoplastic ganglioglioma. The posterior fossa is a very rare location for gangliogliomas. This was a desmoplastic variant that is only encountered in infants. Thus, the location and the pathology made the tumour rare. In addition, the cranio-vasculo-cutaneous lesions made this previously unreported association noteworthy.
A new species of Desmopachria Babington (Coleoptera: Dytiscidae) from Cuba with a prediction of its geographic distribution and notes on other Cuban species of the genus
Authors: MEGNA YOANDRI S. , SÁNCHEZ-FERNÁNDEZ DAVID
Published: January 2014

A new species, Desmopachria andreae sp. n. is described from Cuba. Diagnostic characters including illustrations of male genitalia are provided and illustrated for the five species of the genus occurring on the island. For these five species both a simple key to adults and maps of their known distribution in Cuba are also provided. Using a Maximun Entropy method (MaxEnt), a distribution model was developed for D. andreae sp.n. Based on the model’s predictions, this species has a higher probability of occurring in high altitude forests (above 1000 m a.s.l.), characterised by relatively low temperatures especially during the hottest and wettest seasons, specifically, the mountainous areas of the Macizo de Guamuhaya (Central Cuba), Sierra Maestra (S Cuba) and Nipe-Sagua-Baracoa (NE Cuba). In some of these areas the species has not yet been recorded, and should be searched for in future field surveys.
Sustaining the development of world’s foremost journal in biodiversity discovery and inventory: Zootaxa editors and their contributions
Authors: Zhang Zhi-Qiang
Published: January 2014

It is easier to achieve growth initially than to sustain it for the long term. Zootaxa is no exception. Understanding the factors contributing to the growth of Zootaxa in the past will be very useful to achieve sustained growth in the future. Here I briefly review the history of the growth of this journal and some of the measures taken to ensure its continued success. In particular, I recognize the important roles of our editors with a summary of data in 2013 in comparison to those in 2007.
Interactive Voice Recognition Communication in Electoral Politics
Authors: Kimball Spencer H. , Levy Ting , Venturelli Henry , Miller Sophie
Published: January 2014

This research tested the conventional wisdom that interactive voice recognition (IVR; also known as robocalls or auto calls) are not listened to by receivers. The study found that three out of four people (75%) listen to over 19 s of a message, which equates to over 40 words. The vast majority of people, 97%, listen to at least 6 s. This innovative, unobtrusive field approach for measuring actual listening time eliminates self-report bias. The unique data set, provided by a third-party vendor, consisted of 156 call projects with a total of 389,588 live answered phone calls from the last week of the 2012 election.
Type I Error Inflation in DIF Identification With Mantel–Haenszel
Authors: Magis David , De Boeck Paul
Published: January 2014

It is known that sum score-based methods for the identification of differential item functioning (DIF), such as the Mantel–Haenszel (MH) approach, can be affected by Type I error inflation in the absence of any DIF effect. This may happen when the items differ in discrimination and when there is item impact. On the other hand, outlier DIF methods have been developed that are robust against this Type I error inflation, although they are still based on the MH DIF statistic. The present article gives an explanation for why the common MH method is indeed vulnerable to the inflation effect whereas the outlier DIF versions are not. In a simulation study, we were able to produce the Type I error inflation by inducing item impact and item differences in discrimination. At the same time and in parallel with the Type I error inflation, the dispersion of the DIF statistic across items was increased. As expected, the outlier DIF methods did not seem sensitive to impact and differences in item discrimination.
When Does Life Satisfaction Accompany Relational Identity Signaling
Authors: Kreuzbauer Robert , Chiu Chi-yue , Lin Shengdong , Bae So Hyun
Published: January 2014

Economists have proposed that signaling one’s social identity can increase a person’s subjective utility or happiness. However, there is little cross-cultural research on this relationship. The present research fills this knowledge gap. Using relational identity signaling as an illustration, in two studies, the authors showed that relative to European Americans, Asians (Chinese and Indians) value the relational self more and have relatively high intention to signal their relational identities publicly. Furthermore, for Asians, relational identity signaling is accompanied by higher life satisfaction (the cognitive component of happiness) only when the assimilation motive is salient. In contrast, for European Americans, a positive relationship between relational identity signaling and life satisfaction emerges only when the differentiation motive is salient. These findings suggest that relational identity signaling can confer utility to both Asians and European Americans. Moreover, whether relational identity signaling would increase life satisfaction in a certain culture is a joint function of what the normative practice is in the culture and the motivation to seek social connection of the self to or differentiation of it from others.
The Development of Modals of Obligation and Necessity in White South African English through Contact with Afrikaans
Authors: Wasserman Ronel , van Rooy Bertus
Published: January 2014

This article draws attention to the uniqueness of modality in White South African English (WSAfE), when compared with other native English varieties. This uniqueness is found in the historical development of the modal category of obligation/necessity since the nineteenth century, as well as in the factors that influence its change. A historical corpus of written WSAfE is used to trace the development of these modals from the 1820s to the 1990s, whereas the International Corpus of English–South Africa (ICE-SA) helps explore contemporary written and spoken WSAfE. The main finding is that the frequency patterns of must and should display a trend toward semantic shifts and increasing polysemy. Must is the highest-frequency modal within its semantic group, and it extends its semantic domain to express median obligation, becoming partly synonymous with should. The prominent contact situation of WSAfE with Afrikaans is suggested to play an important role in the way in which must has developed and is currently used.
Audit Quality
Authors: Kleinman Gary , Lin Beixin Betsy , Palmon Dan
Published: January 2014

The importance of fostering more accurate audits has been heightened by a series of high-profile accounting scandals at the beginning of the millennium. These scandals prompted more stringent regulations over corporate governance and financial reporting and the creation of audit oversight bodies as the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) in the United States and the Public Oversight Board (POB) in the United Kingdom. In parallel, the growing globalization of business has brought forth calls for adherence to a common set of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). Even if a common standard is promulgated, it will not lead to similar results if implementation differs across countries. Therefore, it is important to investigate the auditing regulatory regimes in different nations and the status of cross-border audit inspections. Accordingly, we begin by describing the cross-national institutions (e.g., the International Federation of Accountants [IFAC]) that impact national regulatory choices. Then we survey the audit regulatory practices of public company auditors of a select group of major economic powers and based on this analysis, we discuss the challenges and obstacles to engaging in intra-national audit, cross-national audit/inspections, and the challenges posed by differences in auditing standards used in various linked (e.g., by joint ventures, etc.) nations. We include in this discussion the effects of national culture, investor legal protection, economic development, and differing financial standard sources.
A Randomized Controlled Trial Investigating the Effects of Parenteral Fish Oil on Survival Outcomes in Critically Ill Patients With Sepsis
Authors: Hall Thomas C. , Bilku Dilraj K. , Al‐Leswas Dhya , Neal Christopher P. , Horst Cindy , Cooke Jill , Metcalfe Matthew S. , Dennison Ashley R.
Published: January 2014

Introduction: Death from sepsis in the intensive care unit (ITU) is frequently preceded by the development of multiple organ failure as a result of uncontrolled inflammation. Treatment with ω‐3 has been demonstrated to attenuate the effects of uncontrolled inflammation and may be clinically beneficial. Method: A randomized control trial investigating the effects of parenteral ω‐3 was carried out. Consecutive patients diagnosed with sepsis were entered into the study and randomized to receive either parenteral ω‐3 or standard medical care only. The primary outcome measure was a reduction in organ dysfunction using the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score as a surrogate marker. The secondary outcome measures were mortality, length of stay, mean C‐reactive protein (CRP), and days free of organ dysfunction/failure. Results: Sixty patients were included in the study. The baseline demographics were matched for the two cohorts. Patients treated with parenteral ω‐3 were associated with a significant reduction in new organ dysfunction (Δ‐SOFA 2.2 ± 2.2 vs. 1.0 ± 1.5, P = .005 and maximum‐SOFA 10.1 ± 4.2 vs. 8.1 ± 3.2, P = .041) and maximum CRP (186.7 ± 78 vs. 141.5 ± 62.6, P = .019). There was no significant reduction in the length of stay between cohorts. Patients treated with ω‐3 in the strata of less severe sepsis had a significant reduction in mortality (P = .042). Conclusion: The treatment of critically ill septic patients with parenteral ω‐3 is safe. It is associated with a significant reduction in organ dysfunction. It may be associated with a reduction in mortality in patients with less severe sepsis.
Guest Authors or Ghost Inventors? Inventorship and Authorship Attribution in Academic Science
Authors: Lissoni Francesco , Montobbio Fabio
Published: January 2014

Background:

Authorship and inventorship are the key attribution rights that contribute to a scientist’s reputation and professional achievement. This article discusses the concepts of coinventorship and coauthorship in the legal and sociological literature, as well as journals’ publication guidelines and technology transfer offices’ recommendations. It discusses also the relative importance of social and legal norms in the allocation of scientific credit.

Method:

This article revises critically the literature on inventorship and authorship in academic science and derives some policy implications on the institutional mechanisms allocating scientific credit. It reports and assesses the recent empirical evidence on the importance of social norms for the attribution of inventorship and authorship in teams of scientists. Finally, it discusses those norms from a social welfare perspective.

Result:

The social norms that regulate the distribution of authorship and inventorship do not reflect exclusively the relative contribution of each team member but also the members’ relative seniority or status. In the case of inventorship, such social norms appear to be as important as the legal norms whose respect is often invoked by technology transfer officers.

Conclusion:

Authorship and inventorship appear to be obsolete because they do not capture the increasing division of labor and responsibility typical of contemporary scientific research teams. The informative value of both authorship and inventorship attributions may be much more limited than assumed by recent evaluation exercises.