bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How Hispanic patients address ambiguous versus unambiguous bias in the doctor's office
Authors: Bean Meghan G. , Covarrubias Rebecca , Stone Jeff
Published: May 2014

Two studies examined Hispanic individuals' preferences for using ten different bias reduction strategies when interacting with a doctor whose beliefs about their group were either ambiguous or clearly biased. Consistent with predictions, participants who imagined interacting with a doctor whose beliefs were ambiguous preferred strategies that facilitate positive doctor–patient interactions, whereas participants whose doctor explicitly endorsed negative stereotypes about their group preferred strategies that address stereotype content. The results also revealed that, regardless of whether the doctor's beliefs were ambiguous or clearly biased, stigma consciousness predicted participants' preferences for using strategies that address stereotype content. These findings suggest that both doctors' behavior and individual‐level factors influence how minority individuals choose to behave in a healthcare setting.
Patients are not fully human: a nurse's coping response to stress
Authors: Trifiletti Elena , Di Bernardo Gian Antonio , Falvo Rossella , Capozza Dora
Published: May 2014

In this article, dehumanization of patients was studied as a strategy used by nurses to cope with stress. Affective organizational commitment (AOC) and affective commitment to patients (ACP) were tested as moderators. We also explored how nurses' humanity attributions to their in‐group relate to stress symptoms. Participants were nurses working in different wards of an Italian urban hospital. Findings showed that perceiving patients as not fully human was related to lower levels of stress symptoms for nurses with high AOC and ACP, but not for nurses with low AOC and ACP. Moreover, for highly committed nurses, the attribution of uniquely human traits to the in‐group was associated with increased stress symptoms. Implications of findings for the relationship between nurses and patients are discussed.
Wolbachiaeffects in natural populations ofChorthippus parallelusfrom the Pyrenean hybrid zone
Authors: Zabal‐Aguirre M. , Arroyo F. , García‐Hurtado J. , de la Torre J. , Hewitt G. M. , Bella J. L.
Published: May 2014

We evaluate for the first time the effect ofWolbachiainfection, involving two different supergroups, on the structure and dynamics of the hybrid zone between two subspecies ofChorthippus parallelus(Orthoptera) in the Pyrenees.Wolbachiainfection showed no effects on female fecundity or a slight increment in females infected by F supergroup, although in the last case it has to be well established. Cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI) is confirmed in crosses carried out in the field between individuals from a natural hybrid population. ThisCI, registered as the relative reduction in embryo production (sh), was ofsh = 0.355 andsh = 0.286 in unidirectional crosses involving B and F supergroups, respectively.CIalso occurred in bidirectional crosses (sh = 0.147) but with a weaker intensity. The transmission rates of the twoWolbachiastrains (B and F) were estimated by the optimization of a theoretical model to reach the infection frequencies observed in certain population. To fit this scenario, both supergroups should present transmission rates close to 1. Further, we have simulated the infection dynamics, and hence, the capacity ofWolbachiato structure the population of the host insects and to affect to reproduction and genetic introgression in the hybrid zone. This represents a first example of the influence ofWolbachiain an insect natural hybrid zone.
Haldane's rule revisited: do hybrid females have a shorter lifespan? Survival of hybrids in a recent contact zone between two large gull species
Authors: Neubauer G. , Nowicki P. , Zagalska‐Neubauer M.
Published: May 2014

Haldane's rule predicts that particularly high fitness reduction should affect the heterogametic sex of interspecific hybrids. Despite the fact that hybridization is widespread in birds, survival of hybrid individuals is rarely addressed in studies of avian hybrid zones, possibly because of methodological constraints. Here, having applied capture–mark–recapture models to an extensive, 19‐year‐long data set on individually marked birds, we estimate annual survival rates of hybrid individuals in the hybrid zone between herring (Larus argentatus) and Caspian (Larus cachinnans) gulls. In both parental species, males have a slightly higher survival rate than females (model‐weighted mean ± SE: herring gull males 0.88 ± 0.01, females 0.87 ± 0.01, Caspian gull males 0.88 ± 0.01, females 0.87 ± 0.01). Hybrid males do not survive for a shorter time than nonhybrid ones (0.88 ± 0.01), whereas hybrid females have the lowest survival rate among all groups of individuals (0.83 ± 0.03). This translates to a shorter adult (reproductive) lifespan (on average by 1.7–1.8 years, i.e. ca 25%) compared with nonhybrid females. We conclude that, in line with Haldane's rule, the lower survival rate of female hybrids may contribute to selection against hybrids in this hybrid zone.
Establishment of a new cell line susceptible to Cyprinid herpesvirus 3 (CyHV‐3) and possible latency ofCyHV‐3 by temperature shift in the cells
Authors: Imajoh M , Fujioka H , Furusawa K , Tamura K , Yamasaki K , Kurihara S , Yamane J , Kawai K , Oshima S
Published: May 2014

A new cell line namedCCF‐K104 predominantly consisting of fibroblastic cells showed optimal growth at temperatures from 25 °C to 30 °C. Serial morphological changes in the cells induced by Cyprinid herpesvirus 3 (CyHV‐3) included cytoplasmic vacuolar formation, cell rounding and detachment. Mature virions were purified fromCyHV‐3‐infectedCCF‐K104 cells by sucrose gradient ultracentrifugation and had a typical herpesvirus structure on electron microscopy. InfectiousCyHV‐3 was produced stably inCCF‐K104 cells over 30 viral passages. Our findings showed thatCCF‐K104 is a useful cell line for isolation and productive replication ofCyHV‐3. A temperature shift from 25 °C to 15 °C or 35 °C did not allow serial morphological changes as observed at 25 °C for 14 days. Under the same conditions, real‐timePCRshowed thatCyHV‐3 was present with low viralDNAloads, suggesting thatCyHV‐3 may establish latent infection inCCF‐K104 cells. Amplification of the left and right terminal repeat sequences of theCyHV‐3 genome arranged in a head‐to‐tail manner was detected by nestedPCRfollowing an upshift in temperature from 25 °C to 35 °C. ThePCRresults suggested that the circular genome may represent a latent form ofCyHV‐3.
Antioxidant Active Packaging with Soy Edible Films and Oregano or Thyme Essential Oils for Oxidative Stability of Ground Beef Patties
Authors: Kodal Coşkun Betül , Çalikoğlu Eda , Karagöz Emiroğlu Zehra , Candoğan Kezban
Published: May 2014

The effectiveness of soy‐based edible films (EF) incorporated with essential oils (EO) from oregano (OR, Oreganum heracleoticum L.) or thyme (TH, Thymus vulgaris L.) applied on oxidative stability of ground beef patties (GBP) was investigated at 4C for 12 days. Higher antioxidant activity by OR than TH EO was determined with a 2,2'‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl radical‐scavenging assay. Induction time of oxidation measured with the Rancimat test in lipids of GBP was extended with the addition of EOs to EFs. Lower peroxide and free fatty acidity (P < 0.05) values were determined with OR‐EF or TH‐EF, particularly at later stages of storage. Incorporation of EO from OR or TH into the EFs resulted in reduced, but acceptable, redness (a*) values (P < 0.05) in ground beef. This study suggests that the addition of OR or TH EOs into EFs as an antioxidant active packaging is effective in retarding oxidative changes in meats.

Practical Applications

Oxidation reactions are among the most important factors responsible for loss of quality in meat products. Packaging using edible films (EFs) with the inclusion of natural plant extracts is becoming a promising active packaging approach to control oxidative changes in food products during storage. This study was focused on the inclusion of thyme or oregano essential oils (EOs) into EF formulation to control oxidative changes in ground beef patties. Results indicate that inclusion of EOs as antioxidants into soy‐based EFs offers great potential in industrial applications for controlling oxidative changes in the manufacture of natural meat products.
Depression and All‐Cause Mortality in Persons with Diabetes Mellitus: Are Older Adults at Higher Risk? Results from the Translating Research Into Action for Diabetes Study
Authors: Kimbro Lindsay B. , Mangione Carol M. , Steers W. Neil , Duru O. Kenrik , McEwen Laura , Karter Andrew , Ettner Susan L.
Published: May 2014

Objectives

To compare the strength of the association between depression and mortality between elderly and younger individuals with diabetes mellitus.

Design

A survival analysis conducted in a longitudinal cohort study of persons with diabetes mellitus to test the association between depression and mortality in older (≥65) and younger (18–65) adults.

Setting

Managed care.

Participants

Persons aged 18 and older with diabetes mellitus who participated in the Wave 2 survey of the Translating Research Into Action for Diabetes (TRIAD) Study (N = 3,341).

Measurements

The primary outcome was mortality risk, which was measured as days until death using linked data from the National Death Index. Depression was measured using the Patient Health Questionnaire.

Results

After controlling for age, sex, race and ethnicity, income, and other comorbidities, mortality risk in persons with diabetes mellitus was 49% higher in those with depression than in those without, although results varied according to age. After controlling for the same variables, mortality risk in persons aged 65 and older with depression was 78% greater than in those without. For those younger than 65, the effect of depression on mortality was smaller and not statistically significant.

Conclusion

This analysis suggests that the effect of depression on mortality in persons with diabetes mellitus is most significant for older adults. Because there is evidence in the literature that treatment of depression in elderly adults can lead to lower mortality, these results may suggest that older adults with diabetes mellitus should be considered a high‐priority population for depression screening and treatment.
Effect of Medications on Physical Function and Cognition in Nursing Home Residents with Dementia
Authors: Dutcher Sarah K. , Rattinger Gail B. , Langenberg Patricia , Chhabra Pankdeep T. , Liu Xinggang , Rosenberg Paul B. , Leoutsakos Jeannie‐Marie , Simoni‐Wastila Linda , Walker Loreen D. , Franey Christine S. , Zuckerman Ilene H.
Published: May 2014

Objectives

To assess the effectiveness of medications used in the management of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) on cognition and activity of daily living (ADL) trajectories and to determine whether sex modifies these effects.

Design

Two‐year (2007–2008) longitudinal study.

Setting

Medicare enrollment and claims data linked to the Minimum Dataset 2.0.

Participants

Older nursing home (NH) residents with newly diagnosed ADRD (n = 18,950).

Measurements

Exposures included four medication classes: antidementia medications (ADMs), antipsychotics, antidepressants, and mood stabilizers. Outcomes included ADLs and cognition (Cognitive Performance Scale (CPS)). Marginal structural models were employed to account for time‐dependent confounding.

Results

The mean age was 83.6, and 76% of the sample was female. Baseline use of ADMs was 15%, antidepressants was 40%, antipsychotics was 13%, and mood stabilizers was 3%. Mean baseline ADL and CPS scores were 16.6 and 2.1, respectively. ADM use was not associated with change in ADLs over time but was associated with a slower CPS decline (slope difference: −0.09 points/year, 99% confidence interval (CI) = −0.14 to −0.03). Antidepressant use was associated with slower declines in ADL (slope difference: −0.36 points/year, 99% CI = −0.58 to −0.14) and CPS (slope difference: −0.12 points/year, 99% CI = −0.17 to −0.08). Sex modified the effect of both antipsychotic and mood stabilizer use on ADLs; female users declined most quickly. Antipsychotic use was associated with slower CPS decline (slope difference: −0.11 points/year, 99% CI = −0.17 to −0.06), whereas mood stabilizer use had no effect.

Conclusion

Despite the observed statistically significantly slower declines in cognition with ADMs, antidepressants, and antipsychotics and the slower ADL decline found with antidepressants, it is unlikely that these benefits are of clinical significance.
Empirical Comparison of Input‐Output Methods for Life Cycle Assessment
Authors: Zhang Yi , Gibbemeyer Erin L. , Bakshi Bhavik R.
Published: May 2014

This article empirically evaluates the results from input‐output (I‐O) life cycle assessment (LCA) models of the United States for 2002, based on different sources of data: demand‐side survey data; supply‐side data with homogeneous prices; and supply‐side data with heterogeneous prices. These I‐O‐based results are also compared with those from process LCA databases. The underlying approach is based on the theoretical insight previously developed. The results show significant differences and offer useful heuristic insight: The survey‐based data set seems better for sectors that use a large amount of resources and have large intrasectoral transactions. But, it exhibits many missing values. Homogeneous price‐based calculation with supply‐side data is easiest because of minimal data needs and simplifying assumption on prices. The result shows relatively complete coverage and obeys mass and energy balances. The heterogeneous price‐based data set overcomes the price homogeneity assumption, but the result is sensitive to price accuracy. Overall, it is not possible to declare any currently available data sets to be the best, although survey‐ and heterogeneous price‐based data sets may be improved with more information. This insight is based on comparing direct consumption of fossil resources. Comparison of cumulative consumption reduces the disparities among data sets from error cancellation. Further comparison of process‐ and I‐O‐based inventories shows that the former values are often larger than the latter, with the two supply‐side data sets being closer to process‐based data. These results should be useful for choosing between available data to build the best possible I‐O and hybrid LCA models and for further research on enhancing their quality.
Exploring Space, Exploiting Opportunities
Authors: Schiller Frank , Penn Alexandra , Druckman Angela , Basson Lauren , Royston Kate
Published: May 2014

Industrial ecology (IE) has recognized the relevance of space in various areas of the field. In particular, industrial symbiosis has argued for proximity and the colocation of firms to reduce emissions and costs from transport. But, space is also relevant for industrial ecosystems more widely. These spatial principles have rarely been spelled out analytically and this article does so. From economic geography, we now have frameworks and analytical tools to undertake this kind of analysis. Using the example of ports and their hinterland, we argue for spatial analyses in IE.
Enabling Future Sustainability Transitions
Authors: Pincetl Stephanie , Chester Mikhail , Circella Giovanni , Fraser Andrew , Mini Caroline , Murphy Sinnott , Reyna Janet , Sivaraman Deepak
Published: May 2014

This synthesis article presents an overview of an urban metabolism (UM) approach using mixed methods and multiple sources of data for Los Angeles, California. We examine electric energy use in buildings and greenhouse gas emissions from electricity, and calculate embedded infrastructure life cycle effects, water use and solid waste streams in an attempt to better understand the urban flows and sinks in the Los Angeles region (city and county). This quantification is being conducted to help policy‐makers better target energy conservation and efficiency programs, pinpoint best locations for distributed solar generation, and support the development of policies for greater environmental sustainability. It provides a framework to which many more UM flows can be added to create greater understanding of the study area's resource dependencies. Going forward, together with policy analysis, UM can help untangle the complex intertwined resource dependencies that cities must address as they attempt to increase their environmental sustainability.
Complex Samples and Regression‐Based Inference: Considerations for Consumer Researchers
Authors: NIELSEN ROBERT B. , SEAY MARTIN C.
Published: May 2014

This article demonstrates that researchers who treat data collected via complex sampling procedures as if they were collected via simple random sample (SRS) may draw improper inferences when estimating regression models. Using complex sample data from the 2004 panel of the Survey of Income and Program Participation (SIPP) two models—one ordinary least squares (OLS) regression and one logistic regression—were estimated using three methods: SRS with and without population weights, Taylor series linearization, and Fay's Balanced Repeated Replication (BRR). The results of the alternative models demonstrate that depending on the variables of interest, authors who fail to incorporate sample design information or fail to consider the effects of weighting may draw improper inferences from their regression models. Reasons why researchers continue to neglect complex sample‐based variance are proposed and discussed, and example SAS and Stata code is offered to encourage adoption by the consumer research community.
Common target genes of palatal and gingival fibroblasts for EMD: the microarray approach
Authors: Gruber R. , Stähli A. , Miron R. J. , Bosshardt D. D. , Sculean A.
Published: May 2014

Background and Objective

Connective tissue grafts are frequently applied, together with Emdogain®, for root coverage. However, it is unknown whether fibroblasts from the gingiva and from the palate respond similarly to Emdogain. The aim of this study was therefore to evaluate the effect of Emdogain® on fibroblasts from palatal and gingival connective tissue using a genome‐wide microarray approach.

Material and Methods

Human palatal and gingival fibroblasts were exposed to Emdogain® and RNA was subjected to microarray analysis followed by gene ontology screening with Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery functional annotation clustering, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis and the Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes/Proteins functional protein association network. Microarray results were confirmed by quantitative RT‐PCR analysis.

Results

The transcription levels of 106 genes were up‐/down‐regulated by at least five‐fold in both gingival and palatal fibroblasts upon exposure to Emdogain®. Gene ontology screening assigned the respective genes into 118 biological processes, six cellular components, eight molecular functions and five pathways. Among the striking patterns observed were the changing expression of ligands targeting the transforming growth factor‐beta and gp130 receptor family as well as the transition of mesenchymal epithelial cells. Moreover, Emdogain® caused changes in expression of receptors for chemokines, lipids and hormones, and for transcription factors such as SMAD3, peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma and those of the ETS family.

Conclusion

The present data suggest that Emdogain® causes substantial alterations in gene expression, with similar patterns observed in palatal and gingival fibroblasts.
Cerebral blood flow increase in striatum by choreoathetosis: N‐isopropyl‐p‐[123I]iodoamphetamine single‐photon emission computed tomography findings
Authors: Kikyo Hideyuki , Yamamoto Masahiro , Yamada Hitoshi
Published: May 2014

A 75‐year‐old man presented choreoathetosis dominantly on his left side. Diffusion‐weighted imaging did not show abnormal intensities, whereas N‐isopropyl‐p‐[123I]iodoamphetamine single‐photon emission computed tomography showed a significant cerebral blood flow increase in the right striatum. The patient was treated with a D2‐blocker agent, and the choreoathetosis gradually decreased. The cerebral blood flow on the right striatum decreased by the following N‐isopropyl‐p‐[123I]iodoamphetamine single‐photon emission computed tomography. We discussed the mechanism of choreoathetosis from the perspective of the direct and indirect pathways in motor control.
Patterns of pollen quantity and quality limitation of pre‐zygotic reproduction in Mimulus guttatus vary with co‐flowering community context
Authors: Arceo‐Gómez Gerardo , Ashman Tia‐Lynn
Published: May 2014

Pollen quantity limitation has been widely recognized as one of the main causes of plant reproductive failure in nature. However, its negative effects on fruit and seed production have been often confounded with those of low pollen quality (i.e. low conspecific pollen viability and/or slow pollen tube growth rate). The lack of differentiation between these two aspects of pollen limitation has resulted not only in a potential overestimation of the incidence of pollen quantity limitation but has led to a poor understanding of the factors and mechanisms that affect pollen quality limitation. Knowledge of the relative importance and underlying causes of both aspects of pollen limitation (quantity and quality) is required to fully understand the ecological and evolutionary consequences of pollen limitation in natural populations. Co‐flowering community context (e.g. species richness and conspecific density), in particular, can be an important driver of overall pollen limitation. However, how pollen quantity and quality limitation vary separately with the community context has not previously been examined, even though they may vary differently as they arise from different mechanisms, e.g. insect visitation rate versus inbreeding depression. Here we evaluate the effect of co‐flowering diversity and conspecific density on the relative importance of pollen quantity and quality limitation for Mimulus guttatus pre‐zygotic reproduction (i.e. pollen tube success) at serpentine seeps in California over two years. We found overall pollen limitation of pre‐zygotic reproductive success at all seeps regardless of the co‐flowering context. However, plants in high‐diversity/low‐ conspecific density communities were mostly limited by pollen quantity, whereas plants in low‐diversity/high‐conspecific density ones experienced stronger quality limitation – a pattern that was consistent across years. These results not only highlight the importance of conducting comprehensive studies on pollen limitation that evaluate both, its quantity and quality aspects, but are the first to show how their relative contribution to overall pollen limitation can vary with extrinsic factors such as the co‐flowering community context.
General and specific responses of understory vegetation to cervid herbivory across a range of boreal forests
Authors: Speed James D. M. , Austrheim Gunnar , Hester Alison J. , Meisingset Erling L. , Mysterud Atle , Tremblay Jean‐Pierre , Øien Dag‐Inge , Solberg Erling J.
Published: May 2014

Understanding the responses of ecological communities to perturbation is a key challenge within contemporary ecology research. In this study we seek to separate specific community responses from general community responses of plant communities to exclusion of large cervid herbivores. Cervid herbivory and forestry are the main drivers of vegetation structure and diversity in boreal forests. While many studies focus on the impact of cervids on trees, a high proportion of the biodiversity and ecosystem services in boreal forests is found in the field layer. However, experimental approaches investigating the influence of herbivory on understory vegetation are highly localised. In this study we use a regional‐scale design with 51 sites in four boreal forest regions of Norway, to investigate the influence of cervid herbivory on the physical and ecological structure of field layer vegetation. Our study sites cover a range of forest types differing in productivity, management and dominant cervid species, allowing us to identify generic responses and those that are specific to particular conditions. We found that the height of the field layer and the abundances of individual species were most susceptible to change following short‐term cervid exclusion across different forest types and cervid species. Total vegetation density and vascular plant diversity did not respond to cervid exclusion on the same time scale. We also found that the field‐layer vegetation in clear‐cut forests used by moose was more susceptible to change following cervid exclusion than mature forests used by red deer, but no strong evidence that the response of vegetation to herbivore exclusion varied with productivity. Our study suggests that the parameters that respond to cervid exclusion are consistent across forest types, but that the responsiveness of different forest types is idiosyncratic and hard to predict.
Independent and combined effects of multiple predators across ontogeny of a dominant grazer
Authors: Soomdat Nicole N. , Griffin John N. , McCoy Michael , Hensel Marc J. S. , Buhler Stephanie , Chejanovski Zachary , Silliman Brian R.
Published: May 2014

Ecosystems host multiple coexisting predator species whose interactions may strengthen or weaken top–down control of grazers. Grazer populations often exhibit size‐structure, but the nature of multiple predator effects on suppression of size‐structured prey has seldom been explicitly considered. In a southeastern US salt‐marsh, we used both field (additive design) and mesocosm (additive‐substitutive design) experiments to test the independent and combined effects of two species of predatory crab on the survival and predator‐avoidance behavior (i.e. a non‐consumptive effect) of both juveniles and adults of a dominant grazing snail. Results showed: 1) juvenile snails were more vulnerable to predation; 2) consumptive impacts of predators were hierarchically nested, i.e. the larger predator consumed both juvenile and adult snails, while the smaller‐bodied predator consumed only juvenile snails; 3) there were no emergent multiple predator effects on snail consumption; and 4) non‐consumptive effects differed from consumptive effects, with only the large predator inducing predator‐avoidance behavior of individuals within either snail ontogenetic class. The smaller predator therefore played a functionally redundant trophic role across the prey classes considered, augmenting and potentially stabilizing trophic regulation of juvenile snails. Meanwhile, the larger predator played a complementary and functionally unique role by both expanding the size‐spectrum of prey trophic regulation and non‐consumptively altering prey behavior. While our study suggests that nestedness of consumptive interactions determined by predator and prey body sizes may allow prediction of the functional redundancy of particular predator species, it also shows that traits beyond predator body size (e.g. habitat domain) may be required to predict potentially cascading non‐consumptive effects. Future studies of multiple predators (and predator biodiversity) should continue to strive towards greater realism by incorporating not only size‐structured prey, but also other aspects of resource and environmental heterogeneity typical of natural ecosystems.
Medication adherence in the transition of adolescent kidney transplant recipients to the adult care
Authors: Akchurin Oleh M. , Melamed Michal L. , Hashim Becky L. , Kaskel Frederick J. , Del Rio Marcela
Published: May 2014

Non‐adherence is common in adolescent and young adult kidney transplant recipients, leading to adverse graft outcomes. The aim of this study was to determine whether adherence to immunosuppressant medications changes during transition from a pediatric to an adult program within the same transplant center. Adherence was assessed for a period of two yr before and two yr after the transfer. Subtherapeutic trough levels of serum tacrolimus and level variability were used as measures of adherence. Twenty‐five patients were transitioned between 1996 and 2011 at the median age of 22.3 [IQR 21.6–23.0] yr. Young adults 21–25 yr of age (n = 26) and non‐transitioned adolescents 17–21 yr of age (currently followed in the program, n = 24 and those that lost their grafts prior to the transfer, 22) formed the comparison groups. In the transitioned group, adherence prior to the transfer was not significantly different from the adherence after the transfer (p = 0.53). The rate of non‐adherence in the group of non‐transitioned adolescents who lost their grafts (68%) was significantly higher than in the transitioned group (32%, p = 0.01). In the group of young adults, adherence was not significantly different from the transitioned group (p = 0.27). Thus, transition was not associated with differences in medication adherence in this single‐center study. Large‐scale studies are needed to evaluate the national data on medication adherence after transfer.
The Impact of Political Instability on Inflation Volatility in Africa
Authors: Barugahara Florence
Published: May 2014

This paper investigates whether political instability leads to volatile inflation using a panel of 49 African countries. The study uses novel measures of political instability, particularly the state failure index and state fragility index. In the field of political instability and inflation volatility, this is the first study to measure inflation volatility as the conditional variance of inflation estimated from GARCH (1, 1) model. Adopting the system‐generalized method of moments estimator for linear dynamic panel models for the sample period 1985‐2009, the study documents a positive statistically significant effect of political instability on inflation volatility.
Liberalisation and Financial Sector Competition: A Critical Contribution to the Empirics with an African Assessment
Authors: Asongu Simplice
Published: May 2014

This paper investigates how financial, trade, institutional and political liberalisation policies have affected financial sector competition in Africa using updated data to appraise second‐generation reforms. The “freedom to trade” and “economic freedom” indices are employed. Hitherto, unexplored financial sector concepts of formalisation, semi‐formalisation, informalisation and non‐formalisation are also introduced. The following findings are established. First, relative to money supply, (i) with the exception of the economic freedom mechanism, liberalisation policies have generally decreased the growth of the formal financial sector to the benefit of other financial sectors; (ii) apart from the foreign direct investment and economic freedom channels, liberalisation policies have been fruitful for semi‐formal financial development at the cost of other financial sectors and; (iii) with the exception of economic freedom, both the informal and non‐formal sectors have developed owing to liberalisation to the detriment of the formal financial sector. Second, relative to gross domestic product, the semi‐formal, informal and/or non‐formal financial sectors have also generally improved as a result of liberalisation. Policy implications are discussed.
Adaptive permutation tests for serial independence
Authors: Tran Lanh , Chu Ba , Huang Chunfeng , Huynh Kim P.
Published: May 2014

Permutation tests for serial independence using three different statistics based on empirical distributions are proposed. These tests are shown to be consistent under the alternative of m‐dependence and are all simple to perform in practice. A small simulation study demonstrates that the proposed tests have good power in small samples. The tests are then applied to Canadian gross domestic product (GDP data), corroborating the random‐walk hypothesis of GDP growth.
Supply‐chain Trade: A Portrait of Global Patterns and Several Testable Hypotheses
Authors: Baldwin Richard , Lopez‐Gonzalez Javier
Published: May 2014

The trade associated with international production networks – supply‐chain trade for short – is associated with some of the most momentous global economic changes in the last 100 years. It has transformative implications for the world economy. This paper presents a portrait of the global pattern of supply‐chain trade and how it has evolved since 1995.
Characterization of a Novel, Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Compatible Rodent Model Spinal Cord Injury Device
Authors: Bhatnagar Tim , Liu Jie , Oxland Thomas
Published: May 2014

Rodent models of acute spinal cord injury (SCI) are often used to investigate the effects of injury mechanism, injury speed, and cord displacement magnitude, on the ensuing cascade of biological damage in the cord. However, due to its small size, experimental observations have largely been limited to the gross response of the cord. To properly understand the relationship between mechanical stimulus and biological damage, more information is needed about how the constituent tissues of the cord (i.e., gray and white matter) respond to injurious stimuli. To address this limitation, we developed a novel magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-compatible test apparatus that can impose either a contusion-type or dislocation-type acute cervical SCI in a rodent model and facilitate MR-imaging of the cervical spinal cord in a 7 T MR scanner. In this study, we present the experimental performance parameters of the MR rig. Utilizing cadaveric specimens and static radiographs, we report contusion magnitude accuracy that for a desired 1.8 mm injury, a nominal 1.78 mm injury (SD = 0.12 mm) was achieved. High-speed video analysis was employed to determine the injury speeds for both mechanisms and were found to be 1147 mm/s (SD = 240 mm/s) and 184 mm/s (SD = 101 mm/s) for contusion and dislocation injuries, respectively. Furthermore, we present qualitative pilot data from a cadaveric trial, employing the MR rig, to show the expected results from future studies.
Thermal Performance of Automobile Radiator Using Carbon Nanotube-Water Nanofluid—Experimental Study
Authors: Chougule Sandesh S. , Sahu S. K.
Published: May 2014

In the present study, the convective heat transfer enhancement of carbon nanotube (CNT)-water nanofluid has been studied experimentally inside an automobile radiator. Heat removal rate of the coolant flowing through the automobile radiators is of great importance for the optimization of fuel consumption. In this study, four different concentrations of nanofluids in the range of 0.15–1 vol. % were prepared with the addition of CNT nanoparticles into water. The CNT nanocoolants are synthesized by functionalization (FCNT) and surface treatment (SCNT) method. The effects of various parameters, namely synthesis method, variation in pH values and nanoparticle concentration on the Nusselt number are examined through the experimental investigation. Results demonstrate that both nanocoolants exhibit enormous change Nusselt number compared with water. The results of functionalized CNT nanocoolant with 5.5 pH exhibits better performance compared to the nanocoolant with pH value of 6.5 and 9. The surface treated CNT nanocoolant exhibits the deterioration in heat transfer performance. In addition, Nusselt number found to increase with the increase in the nanoparticle concentration and nanofluid velocity.
Marine Ice Sheet Collapse Potentially Under Way for the Thwaites Glacier Basin, West Antarctica
Authors: Joughin Ian , Smith Benjamin E. , Medley Brooke
Published: May 2014

Antarctic Collapse

The West Antarctic Ice Sheet (WAIS) is particularly vulnerable to ocean warming-induced collapse. The Thwaites Glacier of West Antarctica is one of the largest WAIS regional contributors to sea level rise, and has been considered to be potentially unstable for many years.

Joughin
et al.

(p.
735
) used a combination of a numerical model and observations of its recent geometry and movement to investigate the stability of the Thwaites Glacier. The glacier has already entered the early stages of collapse, and rapid and irreversible collapse is likely in the next 200 to 1000 years.
Combinatorial Nanotherapeutics: Rewiring, Then Killing, Cancer Cells
Authors: Fang Ronnie H. , Zhang Liangfang
Published: May 2014

Staggered release of two drugs from a liposomal nanoparticle rewires cellular pathways and promotes enhanced antitumor efficacy.
Tunneled Catheters with Taurolidine-Citrate-Heparin Lock Solution Significantly Improve the Inflammatory Profile of Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Fontseré Néstor , Cardozo Celia , Donate Javier , Soriano Alex , Muros Mercedes , Pons Mercedes , Mensa Josep , Campistol Josep M. , Navarro-González Juan F. , Maduell Francisco
Published: May 2014

Mortality and morbidity are significantly higher among patients with dialysis catheters, which has been associated with chronic activation of the immune system. We hypothesized that bacteria colonizing the catheter lumen trigger an inflammatory response. We aimed to evaluate the inflammatory profile of hemodialysis patients before and after locking catheters with an antimicrobial lock solution. High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-10, and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) were measured in serum, and levels of mRNA gene expression of IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-α were analyzed in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). Samples were obtained at baseline and again after 3 months' use of taurolidine-citrate-heparin lock solution (TCHLS) in 31 hemodialysis patients. The rate of catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSI) was 1.08 per 1,000 catheter-days in the heparin period and 0.04 in the TCHLS period (
P
= 0.023). Compared with the baseline data, serum levels of hs-CRP and IL-6 showed median percent reductions of 18.1% and 25.2%, respectively (
P
< 0.01), without significant changes in TNF-α or IL-10 levels. Regarding cytokine gene expression in PBMC, the median mRNA expression levels of TNF-α and IL-6 decreased by 20% (
P
< 0.05) and 19.7% (
P
= 0.01), respectively, without changes in IL-10 expression levels. The use of TCHLS to maintain the catheter lumen sterility significantly reduces the incidence of CRBSI and improves the inflammatory profile in hemodialysis patients with tunneled catheters. Further studies are needed to evaluate the potential beneficial effects on clinical outcomes.
New Insights into the Bacterial RNA Polymerase Inhibitor CBR703 as a Starting Point for Optimization as an Anti-Infective Agent
Authors: Zhu Weixing , Haupenthal Jörg , Groh Matthias , Fountain Michelle , Hartmann Rolf W.
Published: May 2014

CBR703 was reported to inhibit bacterial RNA polymerase (RNAP) and biofilm formation, considering it to be a good candidate for further optimization. While synthesized derivatives of CBR703 did not result in more-active RNAP inhibitors, we observed promising antibacterial activities. These again correlated with a significant cytotoxicity toward mammalian cells. Furthermore, we suspect the promising effects on biofilm formation to be artifacts. Consequently, this class of compounds can be considered unattractive as antibacterial agents.
Putrescine Reduces Antibiotic-Induced Oxidative Stress as a Mechanism of Modulation of Antibiotic Resistance in Burkholderia cenocepacia
Authors: El-Halfawy Omar M. , Valvano Miguel A.
Published: May 2014

Communication of antibiotic resistance among bacteria via small molecules is implicated in transient reduction of bacterial susceptibility to antibiotics, which could lead to therapeutic failures aggravating the problem of antibiotic resistance. Released putrescine from the extremely antibiotic-resistant bacterium
Burkholderia cenocepacia
protects less-resistant cells from different species against the antimicrobial peptide polymyxin B (PmB). Exposure of
B. cenocepacia
to sublethal concentrations of PmB and other bactericidal antibiotics induces reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and expression of the oxidative stress response regulator OxyR. We evaluated whether putrescine alleviates antibiotic-induced oxidative stress. The accumulation of intracellular ROS, such as superoxide ion and hydrogen peroxide, was assessed fluorometrically with dichlorofluorescein diacetate, while the expression of OxyR and putrescine synthesis enzymes was determined in luciferase assays using chromosomal promoter-
lux
reporter system fusions. We evaluated wild-type and isogenic deletion mutant strains with defects in putrescine biosynthesis after exposure to sublethal concentrations of PmB and other bactericidal antibiotics. Exogenous putrescine protected against oxidative stress induced by PmB and other antibiotics, whereas reduced putrescine synthesis resulted in increased ROS generation and a parallel increased sensitivity to PmB. Of the 3
B. cenocepacia
putrescine-synthesizing enzymes, PmB induced only BCAL2641, an ornithine decarboxylase. This study reveals BCAL2641 as a critical component of the putrescine-mediated communication of antibiotic resistance and as a plausible target for designing inhibitors that would block the communication of such resistance among different bacteria, ultimately reducing the window of therapeutic failure in treating bacterial infections.
Tulathromycin Exerts Proresolving Effects in Bovine Neutrophils by Inhibiting Phospholipases and Altering Leukotriene B4, Prostaglandin E2, and Lipoxin A4Production
Authors: Fischer Carrie D. , Duquette Stephanie C. , Renaux Bernard S. , Feener Troy D. , Morck Douglas W. , Hollenberg Morley D. , Lucas Merlyn J. , Buret Andre G.
Published: May 2014

The accumulation of neutrophils and proinflammatory mediators, such as leukotriene B4(LTB4), is a classic marker of inflammatory disease. The clearance of apoptotic neutrophils, inhibition of proinflammatory signaling, and production of proresolving lipids (including lipoxins, such as lipoxin A4[LXA4]) are imperative for resolving inflammation. Tulathromycin (TUL), a macrolide used to treat bovine respiratory disease, confers immunomodulatory benefits via mechanisms that remain unclear. We recently reported the anti-inflammatory properties of TUL in bovine phagocytesin vitroand inMannheimia haemolytica-challenged calves. The findings demonstrated that this system offers a powerful model for investigating novel mechanisms of pharmacological immunomodulation. In the present study, we examined the effects of TUL in a nonbacterial model of pulmonary inflammationin vivoand characterized its effects on lipid signaling. In bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid samples from calves challenged with zymosan particles (50 mg), treatment with TUL (2.5 mg/kg of body weight) significantly reduced pulmonary levels of LTB4and prostaglandin E2(PGE2). In calcium ionophore (A23187)-stimulated bovine neutrophils, TUL inhibited phospholipase D (PLD), cytosolic phospholipase A2(PLA2) activity, and the release of LTB4. In contrast, TUL promoted the secretion of LXA4in resting and A23187-stimulated neutrophils, while levels of its precursor, 15(S)-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid [15(S)-HETE], were significantly lower. These findings indicate that TUL directly modulates lipid signaling by inhibiting the production of proinflammatory eicosanoids and promoting the production of proresolving lipoxins.
Epinecidin-1 Has Immunomodulatory Effects, Facilitating Its Therapeutic Use in a Mouse Model of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Sepsis
Authors: Pan Chieh-Yu , Chen Jian-Chyi , Sheen Jenn-Feng , Lin Tai-Lang , Chen Jyh-Yih
Published: May 2014

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are garnering attention as possible alternatives to antibiotics. Here, we describe the antimicrobial properties of epinecidin-1 against a multidrug-resistant clinical isolate of
P. aeruginosa
(
P. aeruginosa
R) and a
P. aeruginosa
strain from ATCC (
P. aeruginosa
ATCC 19660)
in vivo
. The MICs of epinecidin-1 against
P. aeruginosa
R and
P. aeruginosa
ATCC 19660 were determined and compared with those of imipenem. Epinecidin-1 was found to be highly effective at combating peritonitis infection caused by
P. aeruginosa
R or
P. aeruginosa
ATCC 19660 in mouse models, without inducing adverse behavioral effects or liver or kidney toxicity. Taken together, our results indicate that epinecidin-1 enhances the rate of survival of mice infected with the bacterial pathogen
P. aeruginosa
through both antimicrobial and immunomodulatory effects.
The Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor Homolog of Entamoeba histolytica Binds to and Immunomodulates Host Macrophages
Authors: Moonah Shannon N. , Abhyankar Mayuresh M. , Haque Rashidul , Petri William A.
Published: May 2014

The host inflammatory response contributes to the tissue damage that occurs during amebic colitis, with tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) being a key mediator of the gut inflammation observed. Mammalian macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is a proinflammatory cytokine that plays an important role in the exacerbation of a wide range of inflammatory diseases, including colitis. We identified a MIF gene homolog in the
Entamoeba histolytica
genome, raising the question of whether
E. histolytica
MIF (
Eh
MIF) has proinflammatory activity similar to that of mammalian MIF. In this report, we describe the first functional characterization of
Eh
MIF. Antibodies were prepared against recombinantly expressed
Eh
MIF and used to demonstrate that
Eh
MIF is expressed as a 12-kDa protein localized to the cytoplasm of trophozoites. In a manner similar to that of mammalian MIF,
Eh
MIF interacted with the MIF receptor CD74 and bound to macrophages.
Eh
MIF induced interleukin-6 (IL-6) production. In addition,
Eh
MIF enhanced TNF-α secretion by amplifying TNF-α production by lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated macrophages and by inhibiting the glucocorticoid-mediated suppression of TNF-α secretion.
Eh
MIF was expressed during human infection, as evidenced by the presence of anti-
Eh
MIF antibodies in the sera of children living in an area where
E. histolytica
infection is endemic. Anti-
Eh
MIF antibodies did not cross-react with human MIF. The ability of
Eh
MIF to modulate host macrophage function may promote an exaggerated proinflammatory immune response and contribute to the tissue damage seen in amebic colitis.
Severe upper gastrointestinal bleeding in extraluminal diverticula in the third part of the duodenum
Authors: Wilhelmsen Michael , Andersen Johnny Fredsbo , Lauritsen Morten Laksafoss
Published: May 2014

The successful management of upper gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding requires identification of the source of bleeding and when this is achieved the bleeding can often be treated endoscopically. However, the identification of the bleeding can be challenging due to the location of the bleeding or technical aspects. Therefore it might be necessary to use other measures than endoscopy such as CT angiography. Duodenal diverticula is a rare cause of upper GI bleeding and can be challenging to diagnose as they often require specialised endoscopy procedures such as endoscopy with a side-viewing scope. This case describes the first successful management of this rare condition with an upper GI endoscopy with a colonoscope and afterwards intravascular coiling.
A rare presentation of splenic tuberculosis with a pseudocyst
Authors: Chakradhar Kalyan , Prasad Shiva , Kumar Sampath , Valiathan Manna
Published: May 2014

Splenic tuberculosis is an unusual manifestation of extrapulmonary tuberculosis, especially in immunocompetent hosts. It often poses diagnostic difficulties as microbiological confirmation is not easy. In this case report, we describe a case of pseudocyst of the spleen due to tuberculosis, which is a rare clinical presentation with only one case having been reported previously.1 A 24-year-old immunocompetent woman presented with pain in the abdomen, vomiting and fever. On evaluation the patient was found to have a cyst arising from the spleen. Splenectomy was performed. Pathological examination of the specimen revealed a pseudocyst with granulomas and giant cells consistent with tuberculosis. Cyst fluid analysis revealed lymphocyte predominance with high adenosine deaminase levels. The patient was started on 6 months of antituberculous therapy postoperatively. On follow-up, the patient was found to have gained weight and showed signs of well-being.