bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction Diagnosed After Hospital Admission
Authors: Garberich Ross F. , Traverse Jay H. , Claussen Michael T. , Rodriguez Gabriel , Poulose Anil K. , Chavez Ivan J. , Rutten-Ramos Stephanie , Hildebrandt David A. , Henry Timothy D.
Published: January 2014

Background—

Treatment times for ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients presenting to percutaneous coronary intervention hospitals have improved dramatically over the past 10 years, particularly for patients using emergency medical services. Limited data exist regarding treatment times and outcomes for patients who develop STEMI after hospital admission.

Methods and Results—

With the use of a comprehensive prospective regional STEMI program database, we evaluated the characteristics and outcomes for patients who develop STEMI after hospital admission. Of the 3795 consecutive STEMI patients treated by the use of the Minneapolis Heart Institute regional STEMI program from March 2003 to January 2013, 990 (26.1%) presented initially to the percutaneous coronary intervention facility, including 640 arriving via emergency medical services, 267 self/family driven, and 83 already admitted to the hospital. Patients with in-hospital presentation were older with higher body mass indexes, were more likely to have hypertension, and to present with pre–percutaneous coronary intervention cardiac arrest and cardiogenic shock. Door-to-balloon times (diagnostic ECG-to-balloon for in-hospital patients) were longer than for patients using emergency medical services (76 versus 51 minutes;
P
<0.001), but similar to self/family–driven patients (76 versus 66 minutes;
P
=0.13). In-hospital patients had longer lengths of stay (5 versus 3 versus 3 days;
P
<0.001) and higher 1-year mortality (16.9% versus 10.3% versus 7.1%;
P
=0.032). These patients frequently had high-risk and complex reasons for admission, including 30.1% with acute coronary syndrome, 22.9% postsurgery, 13.3% respiratory failure, and 8.4% ventricular fibrillation.

Conclusions—

Patients who develop STEMI while in-hospital represent a unique, high-risk subset of patients. They have increased treatment time and lengths of stay and higher mortality rates than the patients presenting via emergency medical services or who are self/family driven.
Role of Extracellular RNA and TLR3‐Trif Signaling in Myocardial Ischemia–Reperfusion Injury
Authors: Chen Chan , Feng Yan , Zou Lin , Wang Larry , Chen Howard H. , Cai Jia‐Yan , Xu Jun‐Mei , Sosnovik David E. , Chao Wei
Published: January 2014

Background

Toll‐like receptor 3 (
TLR
3) was originally identified as the receptor for viral
RNA
and represents a major host antiviral defense mechanism.
TLR
3 may also recognize extracellular
RNA
(ex
RNA
) released from injured tissues under certain stress conditions. However, a role for ex
RNA
and
TLR
3 in the pathogenesis of myocardial ischemic injury has not been tested. This study examined the role of ex
RNA
and
TLR
3 signaling in myocardial infarction (MI), apoptosis, inflammation, and cardiac dysfunction during ischemia‐reperfusion (I/R) injury.

Methods and Results

Wild‐type (
WT
),
TLR
3
−/−
, Trif
−/−
, and interferon (
IFN
) α/β receptor‐1 deficient (
IFNAR
1
−/−
) mice were subjected to 45 minutes of coronary artery occlusion and 24 hours of reperfusion. Compared with
WT
,
TLR
3
−/−
or Trif
−/−
mice had smaller MI and better preserved cardiac function. Surprisingly, unlike
TLR
(2/4)‐MyD88 signaling, lack of
TLR
3‐Trif signaling had no impact on myocardial cytokines or neutrophil recruitment after I/R, but myocardial apoptosis was significantly attenuated in Trif
−/−
mice. Deletion of the downstream
IFNAR
1 had no effect on infarct size. Importantly, hypoxia and I/R led to release of
RNA
including micro
RNA
from injured cardiomyocytes and ischemic heart, respectively. Necrotic cardiomyocytes induced a robust and dose‐dependent cytokine response in cultured cardiomyocytes, which was markedly reduced by RNase but not DNase, and partially blocked in
TLR
3‐deficient cardiomyocytes. In vivo, RNase administration reduced serum
RNA
level, attenuated myocardial cytokine production, leukocytes infiltration and apoptosis, and conferred cardiac protection against I/R injury.

Conclusion

TLR
3‐Trif signaling represents an injurious pathway during I/R. Extracellular
RNA
released during I/R may contribute to myocardial inflammation and infarction.
Occurrence and distribution of Pseudoscalibregma and Scalibregma (Annelida, Scalibregmatidae) in the deep Nordic Seas, with the description of Scalibregma hanseni n. sp.
Authors: BAKKEN TORKILD , OUG EIVIND , KONGSRUD JON ANDERS
Published: January 2014

Until recent years, only a few scalibregmatid species have been known from the Nordic Seas, largely from shelf and coastal waters. Access to a large collection from deep areas has made it possible to provide more knowledge on the diversity of this group in the area. Pseudoscalibregma parvum (Hansen, 1879) is here redescribed. The species has a wide geographic distribution in the Nordic Seas, the Barents Sea, and the Kara Sea. Type specimens of Eumenia longisetosa Théel, 1879 were found to be similar to specimens of P. parvum, confirming the synonymy of the species. A new species, Scalibregma hanseni n. sp., is described from specimens found on the continental slope. It is particularly characterised by having three pairs of rather simple branchiae. Both P. parvum and S. hanseni have small spines in the most anterior chaetiger(s), resembling spines reported from a few other Pseudoscalibregma and Scalibregma species and supporting the need to emend the genus diagnosis of Pseudoscalibregma. Scalibregma abyssorum Hansen, 1879 was reassessed and considered to be a nomen dubium. Scalibregma inflatum, which has a wide distribution along the Norwegian coast and continental shelf, is found to be restricted to depths above about 900 m. Depths from 600–800 m on the continental slope represent a transition zone with fluctuations between temperate North Atlantic water (about 7°C) and cold Norwegian Sea water (below 0°C). The three species coexist in this zone, whereas P. parvum and S. hanseni n. sp. extend down to 1700 and 1200 m, respectively, on the slope at temperatures below 0°C.
Taxonomic review of the genus Paratalanta Meyrick, 1890 (Lepidoptera: Crambidae: Pyraustinae) from China, with descriptions of two new species
Authors: ZHANG DANDAN , CAI YANPENG , LI HOUHUN
Published: January 2014

This study deals with the taxonomy of seven species and subspecies of the genus Paratalanta Meyrick in China. Among them, P. furcata sp. nov. and P. annulata sp. nov. are described as new. The male of P. stachialis Toll & Wojtusiak, 1957 is described for the first time. Images of adults and illustrations of both male and female genitalia are provided, along with a key to all the known Chinese species and a map showing their distribution.
New records of predaceous midges from the Middle East, with the description of two new species (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae)
Authors: DOMINIAK PATRYCJA , ALWIN ALICJA , GIŁKA WOJCIECH
Published: January 2014

Two new distinctive species of predaceous biting midges of the tribe Ceratopogonini are described and illustrated from the Middle East. Brachypogon freidbergi sp. nov., with a unique Y-shaped gonostylus, is recorded from Israel. We also provide the first records of Brachypogon vitiosus (Winnertz) and B. aethiopicus (Clastrier, Rioux & Descous) from this country, and a key to the adult males of the genus Brachypogon Kieffer from the Middle East. Ceratopogon azari sp. nov., described from Lebanon, shows a distinctive structure of the male genital apparatus, and is the southernmost species of that genus in the Western Palaearctic.
The nudibranch names mentioned as n.sp. in Bergh (1861) are almost all nomina nuda (Gastropoda: Heterobranchia: Nudibranchia)
Authors: JENSEN KATHE , NIELSEN CLAUS
Published: January 2014

In a publication in Danish from 1861, Bergh described the nematocysts found in a number of nudibranch species. Many of the species had been described previously, but a number were new and given names, but without a description. These species are nomina nuda. We have translated the “descriptions”, including the foot-notes, and reproduced the original plate to show that only the nematocysts (real or assumed) were described. The only species given a short description fulfilling the requirements of the ICZN is Pleurophyllidia quadrilateralis, which was described as the only species in the new genus Sancara. This in turn was shown to be a junior synonym of Linguella de Blainville, 1823. All the species were subsequently described anatomically in detail and made valid in a number of papers, and most of the type material is located in the Zoological Museum, Copenhagen (Natural History Museum of Denmark). The names in current use have been given.
Notes on the genera Peritropisca Carvalho & Lorenzato and Rewafulvius Carvalho (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Miridae: Cylapinae), with the description of a new species of Peritropisca from Indonesia
Authors: WOLSKI ANDRZEJ , GORCZYCA JACEK
Published: January 2014

The genera Peritropisca Carvalho & Lorenzato, 1978 and Rewafulvius Carvalho, 1972 are redescribed. A description of a new species of the genus Peritropisca from Indonesia—P. laticostata sp. nov. and a redescription of P. bituberculata Carvalho & Lorenzato, 1978 are provided. The genus Euchilofulviella Gorczyca, 1999 is proposed as a junior synonym of Rewafulvius Carvalho, 1972 syn. nov. A color habitus picture of the adult and male genitalia drawings of each treated species are provided. A key to the genus Peritropisca is given.
A new six-pored Amphisbaena (Squamata: Amphisbaenidae) from the coastal zone of northeast Brazil
Authors: ROBERTO IGOR JOVENTINO , BRITO LUCAS B.M. , ÁVILA ROBSON W.
Published: January 2014

We describe a new Amphisbaena from the Brazilian coastal zone at the municipalities of Guamaré and Macau, state of Rio Grande do Norte. The new species, Amphisbaena littoralis sp. nov., is characterized by six precloacal pores, 252–264 body annuli, 30–34 tail annuli with autotomy on the 6th tail annuli, 20–22 dorsal and 21–24 ventral segments to the midbody annulus.
A new species of Supramontana Carbayo & Leal-Zanchet (Platyhelminthes, Continenticola, Geoplanidae) from the Interior Atlantic Forest
Authors: NEGRETE LISANDRO , LEAL-ZANCHET ANA MARIA , BRUSA FRANCISCO
Published: January 2014

Supramontana argentina sp. nov. (Platyhelminthes, Continenticola, Geoplanidae) from north-eastern Argentina is herein described. The new species differs from Supramontana irritata Carbayo & Leal-Zanchet, 2003 from Brazil, the only species of this genus so far described, by external and internal morphological characters. Supramontana argentina sp. nov. is characterized by having a colour pattern with a yellowish median band, thin para-median black stripes, and two dark grey lateral bands on the dorsal surface. The most outstanding features of the internal morphology are a ventral cephalic retractor muscle almost circular in cross section, prostatic vesicle extrabulbar, tubular and very long, and penis papilla conical and blunt with a sinuous ejaculatory duct.
Two new Larainae species from Guayana region, Venezuela (Coleoptera: Elmidae)
Authors: LAŠŠOVÁ KRISTÍNA , ČIAMPOR FEDOR Jr , ČIAMPOROVÁ-ZAŤOVIČOVÁ ZUZANA
Published: January 2014

Two new species of the subfamily Larainae (Insecta: Coleoptera: Elmidae), Hexanchorus angeli n. sp. and Hypsilara autanai n. sp., are described from Guyana region in Venezuela. We provide habitus photographs, detail drawings of both male and female genitalia, and description of morphological features important for discrimination of the new species. Molecular differences within genera were measured using 816bp fragment of mtDNA gene for cytochrome oxidase c subunit I. Sequence divergences among species are discussed.
A new species of Iapir Py-Daniel, Fonseca & Barbosa (Coleoptera: Myxophaga: Torridincolidae) from Brazil with key to species of the genus
Authors: SAMPAIO BRUNNO HENRIQUE LANZELLOTTI , FERREIRA-JR NELSON
Published: January 2014

The genus Iapir is known only from Brazil, currently with five species. This genus is characterized by the lack of a tooth on the hind margin of metatrochanter and a semi-lunar depression prolonged toward apex of the last ventrite on female specimens. Herein we describe an additional species, Iapir vanini sp. nov., collected in southeastern Brazil in Santa Teresa (type locality), Castelo, and Domingos Martins municipalities, in Espírito Santo State. The presence of a fringe of setae on the anterior face of front tibiae and on the posterior face of hind tibiae, and the male genitalia with an oblique apex in lateral view and bearing tufts of seta on distal third, distinguish this species from other Iapir. A key for identification of the species of Iapir is presented.
Bone Morphogenetic Proteins
Authors: Carreira A.C. , Lojudice F.H. , Halcsik E. , Navarro R.D. , Sogayar M.C. , Granjeiro J.M.
Published: January 2014

Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are members of the TGF-β superfamily, acting as potent regulators during embryogenesis and bone and cartilage formation and repair. Cell and molecular biology approaches have unveiled the great complexity of BMP action, later confirmed by transgenic animal studies. Genetic engineering allows for the production of large amounts of BMPs for clinical use, but they have systematically been associated with a delivery system, such as type I collagen and calcium phosphate ceramics, to ensure controlled release and to maximize their biological activity at the surgical site, avoiding systemic diffusion. Clinical orthopedic studies have shown the benefits of FDA-approved recombinant human BMPs (rhBMPs) 2 and 7, but side effects, such as swelling, seroma, and increased cancer risk, have been reported, probably due to high BMP dosage. Several studies have supported the use of BMPs in periodontal regeneration, sinus lift bone-grafting, and non-unions in oral surgery. However, the clinical use of BMPs is growing mainly in off-label applications, with robust evidence to ascertain rhBMPs’ safety and efficacy through well-designed, randomized, and double-blind clinical trials. Here we review and discuss the critical data on BMP structure, mechanisms of action, and possible clinical applications.
Hypersensitive mAChRs are Involved in the Epiphora of Transplanted Glands
Authors: Ding C. , Cong X. , Zhang Y. , Yang N.Y. , Li S.L. , Wu L.L. , Yu G.Y.
Published: January 2014

Autologous transplantation of the submandibular gland is an effective treatment for severe dry eye syndrome. However, more than 40% of patients experience epiphora 3 to 6 months after transplantation. The underlying mechanism of epiphora remains to be elucidated. To investigate the potential roles of muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChRs) in the induction of epiphora in transplanted glands, we assessed and found elevated mRNA and protein expression of M1- and M3-mAChR in transplanted glands from epiphora patients. The content of inositol 1, 4, 5-trisphosphate was also elevated. Moreover, carbachol (5 and 10 µM) induced greater increase of [Ca2+]i in isolated epiphora submandibular cells than in controls. Although aquaporin-5 (AQP5) content and distribution in the apical and lateral plasma of epiphora glands did not change, AQP5 content was reduced in lipid microdomains (lipid rafts and caveolae) but increased in non-lipid microdomains compared with controls. Carbachol (10 µM) increased the ratio of non-lipid microdomain to total AQP5 in the cultured control submandibular gland tissue. Taken together, these results indicated that hypersensitive mAChRs might be involved in the epiphora of transplanted submandibular glands by modulating AQP5 trafficking.
Expression of Resolvin D1 Biosynthetic Pathways in Salivary Epithelium
Authors: Leigh N.J. , Nelson J.W. , Mellas R.E. , Aguirre A. , Baker O.J.
Published: January 2014

Resolvins are potent anti-inflammatory mediators derived from ω-3 fatty acids. Results from our previous studies indicated that resolvin D1 (RvD1) blocks pro-inflammatory responses in salivary glands. Furthermore, RvD1 enhances salivary epithelial integrity, demonstrating its potential use for the restoration of salivary gland function in Sjögren’s syndrome (SS). We investigated whether the RvD1 biosynthetic machinery ( e.g., cytosolic phospholipase A2, calcium-independent phospholipase A2, 12/15 and 5-lipoxygenase) is expressed in mouse submandibular glands (mSMG), using qPCR and Western blot analyses. Additionally, we determined the localization of RvD1 biosynthetic machinery in mSMG and human minor salivary glands (hMSG), with and without SS, using confocal microscopy. Finally, we measured RvD1 levels in cell supernatants from mSMG cell cultures and freshly isolated mSMG cells, with and without SS, using ELISA. Our results indicate that: (1) RvD1 machinery is expressed in mouse and human salivary glands; (2) polar distribution of RvD1 biosynthetic machinery is lost in hMSG with SS; (3) RvD1 levels in mSMG cell culture supernatants increased with time; and (4) RvD1 levels in mSMG cell supernatants, with and without SS, were similar. These studies demonstrate that the RvD1 biosynthesis machinery is expressed and functional in salivary glands with and without SS.
Fast-performance simulation for Gossip-based Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Blagojević Miloš , Geilen Marc , Basten Twan , Nabi Majid , Hendriks Teun
Published: January 2014

Gossip-based Wireless Sensor Networks (GWSNs) are complex systems of inherently random nature. Planning and designing GWSNs requires a fast and adequately accurate mechanism to estimate system performance. As a first contribution, we propose a performance analysis technique that simulates the gossip-based propagation of each single piece of data in isolation. This technique applies to GWSNs in which the dissemination of data from a specific sensor does not depend on dissemination of data generated by other sensors. We model the dissemination of a piece of data with a Stochastic-Variable Graph Model (SVGM). A SVGM is a weighted-graph abstraction in which the edges represent stochastic variables that model propagation delays between neighboring nodes. Latency and reliability performance properties are obtained efficiently through a stochastic shortest-path analysis on the SVGM using Monte Carlo (MC) simulation. The method is accurate and fast, applicable for both partial and complete system analysis. It outperforms traditional discrete-event simulation. As a second contribution, we propose a centrality-based stratification method that combines structural network analysis and MC partial simulation, to further increase efficiency of the system-level analysis while maintaining adequate accuracy. We analyzed the proposed performance evaluation techniques through an extensive set of experiments, using a real deployment and simulations at different levels of abstraction.
Strategizing urbanism in the era of neoliberalization: State power reshuffling, land development and municipal finance in urbanizing China
Authors: Lin George CS , Li Xun , Yang Fiona F , Hu Fox ZY
Published: January 2014

This paper examines the new dynamism of China’s urbanization in which urbanism has been actively pursued by municipal governments as a strategy to negotiate and contest with the new power relations established by the post-reform regime in the era of neoliberalization. The research identifies the salient features of urbanization and urban land development since the 1990s, probes into their social and political origins, and evaluates the effects of Chinese urban revolutions from above on economic growth, regional inequality and social volatility. The data analysed include those gathered from the national level and from the Guangzhou metropolis in southern China. The interwoven processes of state power reshuffling, urban land development and municipal finance in contemporary China are believed to have constituted a significant and controversial case for critical evaluation of the political origins of urban revolutions in the age of global urbanism and their uneven socioeconomic consequences.
Planning as a Coping Response to Proposed Tourism Development
Authors: Jordan Evan J.
Published: January 2014

This case study explores the psychological concepts of stress and coping as experienced by residents of a host community. Stress can negatively affect communities and individuals in myriad ways, leading to community dysfunction, negative health outcomes, and psychological consequences. Successful coping actions can moderate the effects of stress on individuals and communities. Over the span of two years, the community of Sitka, Alaska, undertook two tourism planning processes in response to the proposed development of a cruise pier. Thematic analysis of 29 interviews of Sitka residents and tourism planning participants revealed that the tourism planning process was a form of community coping with the stress of proposed tourism development. Interviews also revealed that individuals engaged in coping to address stressors that manifested during each planning process. Understanding how residents of host communities respond to stresses brought about by tourism development is a step forward in understanding the host–guest relationship.
System and lifeworld in Habermas’ theory of democracy
Authors: Flynn Jeffrey
Published: January 2014

In this article I challenge two arguments central to Hugh Baxter's critical interpretation of Habermas in his recent book, Habermas: The Discourse Theory of Law and Democracy (2011). Both arguments focus on whether Habermas’ system -lifeworld model of society can successfully make space for democratic politics. Baxter highlights problems with both Habermas’ The Theory of Communicative Action [hereafter cited as TCA] and Habermas’ attempts to fix those problems in Between Facts and Norms [hereafter cited as BFN]. Thus, engaging Baxter on these issues provides an opportunity to think about how to read two of Habermas’ most significant texts in relation to each other. Baxter stresses discontinuities but I draw attention to important continuities. The first discontinuity highlighted by Baxter is between TCA's functionalism and BFN's normative approach. By contrast, in section I my article stresses elements of TCA that have been under-appreciated in general and by Baxter in particular, challenging us to rethink aspects of the standard reading of functionalist versus normative moments in the trajectory of Habermas’ thought. More specifically, in the second discontinuity Baxter identifies in BFN a significant shift in Habermas’ understanding of the nature of a ‘system’. I challenge this interpretation in section II and provide what I think is a superior reconstruction of the model presented in BFN.
How specific are venous symptoms for diagnosis of chronic venous disease?
Authors: Van der Velden SK , Shadid NH , Nelemans PJ , Sommer A
Published: January 2014

Objective

The objective of this study is to evaluate whether and which ‘venous’ symptoms are characteristic for patients affected with chronic venous disease compared to patients with other diseases of the lower limbs (e.g. arthrosis, peripheral arterial disease, spinal disc herniation).

Methods

A cross-sectional study was performed to compare the frequency of venous symptoms among 76 patients with chronic venous disease and reflux and 74 patients with other diseases of the legs without reflux. The VEINES-Sym of the VEINES-QOL/Sym questionnaire was used to evaluate the frequency of symptoms. Demographic, clinical classification and ultrasound findings were also noted.

Results

A total of 122 patients were included for analysis (response rate of 87%). Presence of venous symptoms was slightly more often reported in the chronic venous disease group than in the non-chronic venous disease group, but differences were small and statistically non-significant. Severity of chronic venous disease as classified by the CEAP classification was not associated with higher proportions of patients reporting symptoms than in non-chronic venous disease patients, except for swelling ( p = .016) and itching ( p = .007) in C3-C6 patients. The largest difference between the chronic venous disease and non-chronic venous disease group was observed for the time of the day at which symptoms were most intense; patients with chronic venous disease were more likely to experience symptoms at the end of the day ( p < .001).

Conclusions

The small differences in prevalence of reported ‘venous’ symptoms between chronic venous disease patients and patients with other diseases of the legs suggest that these symptoms may be less specific for patients with chronic venous disease and refluxing veins than is usually assumed.
Transurethral seminal vesiculoscopy in the diagnosis and treatment of intractable seminal vesiculitis
Authors: Liu Bianjiang , Li Jie , Li Pengchao , Zhang Jiexiu , Song Ninghong , Wang Zengjun , Yin Changjun
Published: January 2014

Objective

To investigate the efficacy and safety of transurethral seminal vesiculoscopy in the diagnosis and treatment of intractable seminal vesiculitis.

Methods

This prospective observational study enrolled patients with intractable seminal vesiculitis. The transurethral seminal vesiculoscope was inserted into the bilateral ejaculatory ducts and seminal vesicles, via the urethra. The ejaculatory ducts and seminal vesicles were visualized to confirm the diagnosis of seminal vesiculitis and to determine the cause of the disease. The seminal vesicles were washed repeatedly using 0.90% (w/v) sodium chloride before a 0.50% (w/v) levofloxacin solution was injected into the seminal vesicles.

Results

A total of 114 patients participated in the study and 106 patients underwent bilateral seminal vesiculoscopy. Six patients with postoperative painful ejaculation were treated successfully with oral antibiotics and α-blockers. Two patients with postoperative epididymitis were treated successfully with a 1-week course of antibiotics. Haematospermia was alleviated in 94 of 106 patients (89%), and their pain and discomfort had either disappeared or had been obviously relieved, following treatment.

Conclusion

Transurethral seminal vesiculoscopy is effective for diagnosing and treating intractable seminal vesiculitis.
Are Parental Attitudes Related to Adolescent Juvenile Offenders’ Readiness to Change?
Authors: Snyder Benjamin D. H. , Glaser Brian A. , Calhoun Georgia B.
Published: January 2014

Contemporary research suggests that many factors contribute to adolescent problematic and delinquent behaviors; however, there is little discussion in the literature related to factors that contribute to an adolescent’s willingness to change these maladaptive behaviors. The current study examines the role parental attitudes play in the adolescent juvenile offender’s readiness to change. Ninety-five adjudicated adolescents and their parent or legal guardian completed the University of Rhode Island Change Assessment (URICA) and the Juvenile Offender Parent Questionnaire (JOPQ), respectively. Participants fell into one of two URICA groups: Precontemplative or Contemplative. Parental attitudes (JOPQ) of Exasperation in Regard to the Child and Fear of the Child significantly predicted membership in two of the URICA stages of change groups (Precontemplative and Contemplative) when gender was included in the model. This study has important implications for practitioners developing effective treatments for adjudicated adolescents.
Prevalence of Substance Use and Intimate Partner Violence in a Sample of A/PI MSM
Authors: Tran Alvin , Lin Lavinia , Nehl Eric J. , Talley Colin L. , Dunkle Kristin L. , Wong Frank Y.
Published: January 2014

This study evaluates the prevalence of three forms of intimate partner violence (IPV) (i.e., experience of physical, psychological/symbolic, and sexual battering) among a national sample of Asian/Pacific Islander (A/PI) men who have sex with men (MSM) in the United States and identifies their characteristics. The study also reports the differences of substance use behavior between MSM with and without a previous history of IPV. Our sample was recruited through venue-based sampling from seven metropolitan cities as part of the national Men of Asia Testing for HIV (MATH) study. Among 412 MSM, 29.1% experienced IPV perpetrated from a boyfriend or same-gender partner in the past 5 years. Within the previous 5 years, 62.5%, 78.3%, and 40.8% of participants experienced physical, psychological/symbolic, and sexual battering, respectively. Collectively, 35.8% of participants reported that they have experienced at least one type of victimization and 64.2% have experienced multiple victimizations (two or three types of battering victimization). Overall, 21.2% of our sample reported any substance use within the past 12 months. The present findings suggest that individuals with a history of IPV in the past 5 years were more likely to report substance use (33.6%) compared to those without a history of IPV experience (16.1%).
Mechanical, thermal, and rheological properties of nano-calcium carbonate/polypropylene composites modified by methacrylic acid
Authors: Zaman Haydar U , Beg MDH
Published: January 2014

Polypropylene (PP)/nano-calcium carbonate (nCC) composites modified with methacrylic acid (MA) with and without dicumyl peroxide (DCP) were prepared by a twin-screw extruder. The effects of nCC and MA on the mechanical, thermal, and rheological properties of PP/nCC composites were investigated. The mechanical tests indicating that nCC could simultaneously reinforce and toughen PP. In addition, incorporation of MA further increased the mechanical properties of the composites. In the presence of DCP, a small amount of MA could increase markedly the mechanical properties of PP/nCC composites. Differential scanning calorimetry results indicate that the addition of nCC increased the crystallization temperature ( Tc) as a result of heterogeneous nucleation effect of nCC on PP and can induce β-phase PP. The addition of MA can further increase the Tc of PP and the intensity of β-phase PP. The results of rheological property analysis indicated that the viscosity increased with increasing amount of the filler, especially at low shear rates. The addition of MA improved the dispersion of nCC resulting in the increasing of apparent viscosity.
Intermediary Organizations in Charter School Policy Coalitions
Authors: DeBray Elizabeth , Scott Janelle , Lubienski Christopher , Jabbar Huriya
Published: January 2014

This article develops a framework for investigating research use, using an “advocacy coalition framework” and the concepts of a “supply side” (mainly organizations) and “demand side” (policymakers). Drawing on interview data and documents from New Orleans about the charter school reforms that have developed there since 2005, the authors examine (a) the role of intermediaries in producing information and research syntheses for local, state, and/or federal policymakers; (b) the extent of policymakers’ demand for such research and information; and (c) the extent to which local and national coalitions of organizations appear to be influential in research use. The article concludes that there are two coalitions in New Orleans that differ in their interpretations of charter school performance, equity, and access; that there is overall very low research capacity within the intermediary sector; and that there is little evidence of demand from state policymakers for research findings. There was agreement across both coalitions that there is a lack of a credible and non-partisan research group studying the reforms, that is, one that produces data analyses that are not merely descriptive. The authors map preliminary findings about how intermediary organizations are connected to national groups, as well as how research is shared within coalitions.
The Value of Exercising Control Over Monetary Gains and Losses
Authors: Leotti Lauren A. , Delgado Mauricio R.
Published: January 2014

Using functional MRI, we examined how the affective experience of choice, the means by which individuals exercise control, is modulated by the valence of potential outcomes (gains, losses). When trials involved potential gains, participants reported liking cues predicting a choice opportunity better than cues predicting no choice opportunity—an effect that corresponded with blood-oxygen-level-dependent (BOLD) increases in ventral striatum (VS) activity. Surprisingly, no differences were observed between choice and no-choice cues when participants anticipated potential losses. Individual differences in subjective choice preference in the loss condition, however, corresponded to choice-related BOLD activity in VS. We conducted a second experiment to examine whether monetary losses were perceived differently in the context of simultaneous gains. When losses occurred in the absence of gains, participants showed an increased affective experience of choice—they reported greater liking of choice than no-choice trials, and VS activity was greater for choice than for no-choice cues. Collectively, the findings suggest that the affective experience of choice involves reward-processing circuitry when people anticipate appetitive and aversive outcomes, but the choice experience may be sensitive to context and individual differences.
Liminality competence: An interpretative study of mobile project workers’ conception of liminality at work
Authors: Borg Elisabeth , Söderlund Jonas
Published: January 2014

This study focuses on individuals working under transient and mobile conditions and the specific competences that they develop to deal with such work conditions. The article examines a specific type of knowledge worker, namely, the mobile project worker who is employed by a technical consultancy but who performs work on various client projects together with members from client organizations. The overall aim of this article is to improve our understanding of the differences among people’s abilities to handle fluid and flexible work conditions. We elaborate on the notion of “liminality” to denote a particular element of flexible work conditions, which consists of continuous movement among assignments and of simultaneous engagement with several organizations. Based on qualitative and interpretative research involving a combination of interviews, diaries, and workshops, this article identifies three levels of specific “liminality competence” that mobile project workers develop to deal with liminality at work.
Arterial spin labeling perfusion-weighted MRI for long-term follow-up of a cerebral arteriovenous malformation after stereotactic radiosurgery
Authors: Shimizu Kazuhiro , Kosaka Nobuyuki , Yamamoto Tatsuya , Shioura Hiroki , Kodera Toshiaki , Kikuta Ken-ichiro , Kimura Hirohiko
Published: January 2014

We present a longitudinal series of arterial spin-labeling magnetic resonance imaging (ASL-MRI) in a patient with cerebral arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) treated by stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS). Pretreatment ASL-MRI showed high signal intensity in both the nidus and draining veins, and the latter signal abnormality gradually moved proximally by 14 months after SRS. At 24 months, the signal abnormalities finally disappeared, indicating complete obliteration of the nidus. The hemodynamic changes in the AVM were clearly visualized in the longitudinal ASL-MRI series, thus this non-invasive MR method may be useful not only for detecting AVMs but also for assessment of their response after SRS.
Identification of RNA silencing components in soybean and sorghum
Authors: Liu Xiang , Lu Tao , Dou Yongchao , Yu Bin , Zhang Chi
Published: January 2014

Background

RNA silencing is a process triggered by 21–24 small RNAs to repress gene expression. Many organisms including plants use RNA silencing to regulate development and physiology, and to maintain genome stability. Plants possess two classes of small RNAs: microRNAs (miRNAs) and small interfering RNAs (siRNAs). The frameworks of miRNA and siRNA pathways have been established in the model plant, Arabidopsis thaliana (Arabidopsis).

Results

Here we report the identification of putative genes that are required for the generation and function of miRNAs and siRNAs in soybean and sorghum, based on knowledge obtained from Arabidopsis. The gene families, including DCL, HEN1, SE, HYL1, HST, RDR, NRPD1, NRPD2/NRPE2, NRPE1, and AGO, were analyzed for gene structures, phylogenetic relationships, and protein motifs. The gene expression was validated using RNA-seq, expressed sequence tags (EST), and reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR).

Conclusions

The identification of these components could provide not only insight into RNA silencing mechanism in soybean and sorghum but also basis for further investigation. All data are available at http://sysbio.unl.edu/.
Substrate-dependent gene regulation of self-assembled human MSC spheroids on chitosan membranes
Authors: Yeh Hsi-Yi , Liu Bing-Hsien , Sieber Martin , Hsu Shan-hui
Published: January 2014

Background

Three-dimensional (3D) multicellular spheroids of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are generally regarded to have beneficial properties over MSCs in monolayer. Recent literatures have documented that MSCs can self-assemble into 3D spheroids with a greater capacity for differentiation into various cell types when grown on chitosan (CS), a biopolymer. The genomic modulation occurring in these MSC spheroids is thus of essential importance for understanding their uniqueness and therapeutic potentials. In this study, 3D spheroids self-assembled from human umbilical cord MSCs grown on CS membranes were analyzed by mRNA as well as microRNA microarrays, which helped identify the critical signaling events that may alter the cellular functions during the spheroid forming process.

Results

Genes screened from mRNA and microRNA cross-correlation analyses were further confirmed with the quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) analysis. Results revealed the regulation of a significant number of calcium-associated genes, which suggested the crucial role of calcium signaling in CS-derived MSC spheroids. In addition, many genes associated with the multilineage differentiation capacities and those associated with the antiinflammatory and antitumor properties of MSCs were upregulated. The genetic modulation was significantly more remarkable and endured longer for MSC spheroids derived on CS substrates compared to those derived on a non-adherent (polyvinyl alcohol) substrate.

Conclusions

Based on the study, the culture substrates used to prepare 3D MSC spheroids may predefine their properties through cell-substrate interaction.
Loss of molars early in life develops behavioral lateralization and impairs hippocampus-dependent recognition memory
Authors: Kawahata Masatsuna , Ono Yumie , Ohno Akinori , Kawamoto Shoichi , Kimoto Katsuhiko , Onozuka Minoru
Published: January 2014

Background

Using senescence-accelerated mouse prone 8 (SAMP8), we examined whether reduced mastication from a young age affects hippocampal-dependent cognitive function. We anesthetized male SAMP8 mice at 8 weeks of age and extracted all maxillary molar teeth of half the animals. The other animals were treated similarly, except that molar teeth were not extracted. At 12 and 24 weeks of age, their general behavior and their ability to recognize novel objects were tested using the open-field test (OFT) and the object-recognition test (ORT), respectively.

Results

The body weight of molarless mice was reduced significantly compared to that of molar-intact mice after the extraction and did not recover to the weight of age-matched molar-intact mice throughout the experimental period. At 12 weeks of age, molarless mice showed significantly greater locomotor activity in the OFT than molar-intact mice. However, the ability of molarless mice to discriminate a novel object in the ORT was impaired compared to that of molar-intact mice. The ability of both molarless and molar-intact SAMP8 mice to recognize objects was impaired at 24 weeks of age. These results suggest that molarless SAMP8 mice develop a deficit of cognitive function earlier than molar-intact SAMP8 mice. Interestingly, both at 12 and 24 weeks of age, molarless mice showed a lateralized preference of object location in the encoding session of the ORT, in which two identical objects were presented. Their lateralized preference of object location was positively correlated with the rightward turning-direction preference, which reached statistical significance at 24 weeks of age.

Conclusions

Loss of masticatory function in early life causes malnutrition and chronic stress and impairs the ability to recognize novel objects. Hyperactivation and lateralized rotational behavior are commonly observed with dysfunction of the dopaminergic system, therefore, reduced masticatory function may deplete the mesolimbic and mesocorticolimbic dopaminergic systems to impair the cognitive functions of selective attention and recognition memory in the prefrontal cortex and the hippocampus.
Renal nerve ultrastructural alterations in short term and long term experimental diabetes
Authors: Sato Karina Laurenti , Sanada Luciana Sayuri , Ferreira Renata da Silva , de Marco Maria Carolina del Bem de Barros Ol , Castania Jaci Airton , Salgado Helio Cesar , Nessler Randy Alan , Fazan Valeria Paula Sassoli
Published: January 2014

Background

Despite the evidence that renal hemodynamics is impaired in experimental diabetes, associated with glomeruli structural alterations, renal nerves were not yet investigated in experimental models of diabetes and the contribution of nerve alterations to the diabetic nephropathy remains to be investigated. We aimed to determine if ultrastructural morphometric parameters of the renal nerves are affected by short term and/or long term experimental diabetes and if insulin treatment reverses these alterations. Left renal nerves were evaluated 15 days or 12 weeks (N = 10 in each group) after induction of diabetes, with a single injection of streptozotocin (STZ). Control rats (N = 10 in each group) were injected with vehicle (citrate buffer). Treated animals (N = 10 in each group) received a single subcutaneous injection of insulin on a daily basis. Arterial pressure, together with the renal nerves activity, was recorded 15 days (short-term) or 12 weeks (long-term) after STZ injection. After the recordings, the renal nerves were dissected, prepared for light and transmission electron microscopy, and fascicle and fibers morphometry were carried out with computer software.

Results

The major diabetic alteration on the renal nerves was a small myelinated fibers loss since their number was smaller on chronic diabetic animals, the average morphometric parameters of the myelinated fibers were larger on chronic diabetic animals and distribution histograms of fiber diameter was significantly shifted to the right on chronic diabetic animals. These alterations began early, after 15 days of diabetes induction, associated with a severe mitochondrial damage, and were not prevented by conventional insulin treatment.

Conclusions

The experimental diabetes, induced by a single intravenous injection of STZ, in adult male Wistar rats, caused small fiber loss in the renal nerves, probably due to the early mitochondrial damage. Conventional treatment with insulin was able to correct the weight gain and metabolic changes in diabetic animals, without, however, correcting and / or preventing damage to the thin fibers caused by STZ-induced diabetes. The kidney innervation is impaired in this diabetic model suggesting that alterations of the renal nerves may play a role in the development of the diabetic nephropathy.
Genome-wide association study of bipolar disorder in Canadian and UK populations corroborates disease loci including SYNE1 and CSMD1
Authors: Xu Wei , Cohen-Woods Sarah , Chen Qian , Noor Abdul , Knight Jo , Hosang Georgina , Parikh Sagar V , De Luca Vincenzo , Tozzi Federica , Muglia Pierandrea , Forte Julia , McQuillin Andrew , Hu Pingzhao , Gurling Hugh MD , Kennedy James L , McGuffin Peter , Farmer Anne , Strauss John , Vincent John B
Published: January 2014

Background

Recently, genome-wide association studies (GWAS) for cases versus controls using single nucleotide polymorphism microarray data have shown promising findings for complex neuropsychiatric disorders, including bipolar disorder (BD).

Methods

Here we describe a comprehensive genome-wide study of bipolar disorder (BD), cross-referencing analysis from a family-based study of 229 small families with association analysis from over 950 cases and 950 ethnicity-matched controls from the UK and Canada. Further, loci identified in these analyses were supported by pathways identified through pathway analysis on the samples.

Results

Although no genome-wide significant markers were identified, the combined GWAS findings have pointed to several genes of interest that support GWAS findings for BD from other groups or consortia, such as atSYNE1on 6q25,PPP2R2Con 4p16.1,ZNF659on 3p24.3,CNTNAP5(2q14.3), andCDH13(16q23.3). This apparent corroboration across multiple sites gives much confidence to the likelihood of genetic involvement in BD at these loci. In particular, our two-stage strategy found association in both our combined case/control analysis and the family-based analysis on 1q21.2 (closest gene: sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 1 gene,S1PR1) and on 1q24.1 near the geneTMCO1, and atCSMD1on 8p23.2, supporting several previous GWAS reports for BD and for schizophrenia. Pathway analysis suggests association of pathways involved in calcium signalling, neuropathic pain signalling, CREB signalling in neurons, glutamate receptor signalling and axonal guidance signalling.

Conclusions

The findings presented here show support for a number of genes previously implicated genes in the etiology of BD, includingCSMD1andSYNE1, as well as evidence for previously unreported genes such as the brain-expressed genesADCY2,NCALD,WDR60,SCN7AandSPAG16.
Modulation of Ras signaling alters the toxicity of hydroquinone, a benzene metabolite and component of cigarette smoke
Authors: North Matthew , Shuga Joe , Fromowitz Michele , Loguinov Alexandre , Shannon Kevin , Zhang Luoping , Smith Martyn T , Vulpe Chris D
Published: January 2014

Background

Benzene is an established human leukemogen, with a ubiquitous environmental presence leading to significant population exposure. In a genome-wide functional screen in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, inactivation of IRA2, a yeast ortholog of the human tumor suppressor gene NF1 (Neurofibromin), enhanced sensitivity to hydroquinone, an important benzene metabolite. Increased Ras signaling is implicated as a causal factor in the increased pre-disposition to leukemia of individuals with mutations in NF1.

Methods

Growth inhibition of yeast by hydroquinone was assessed in mutant strains exhibiting varying levels of Ras activity. Subsequently, effects of hydroquinone on both genotoxicity (measured by micronucleus formation) and proliferation of WT and Nf1 null murine hematopoietic precursors were assessed.

Results

Here we show that the Ras status of both yeast and mammalian cells modulates hydroquinone toxicity, indicating potential synergy between Ras signaling and benzene toxicity. Specifically, enhanced Ras signaling increases both hydroquinone-mediated growth inhibition in yeast and genotoxicity in mammalian hematopoetic precursors as measured by an in vitro erythroid micronucleus assay. Hydroquinone also increases proliferation of CFU-GM progenitor cells in mice with Nf1 null bone marrow relative to WT, the same cell type associated with benzene-associated leukemia.

Conclusions

Together our findings show that hydroquinone toxicity is modulated by Ras signaling. Individuals with abnormal Ras signaling could be more vulnerable to developing myeloid diseases after exposure to benzene. We note that hydroquinone is used cosmetically as a skin-bleaching agent, including by individuals with cafe-au-lait spots (which may be present in individuals with neurofibromatosis who have a mutation in NF1), which could be unadvisable given our findings.