bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In the United States, a Mother’s Plans for Infant Feeding Are Associated with Her Plans for Employment
Authors: Mirkovic Kelsey R. , Perrine Cria G. , Scanlon Kelley S. , Grummer-Strawn Laurence M.
Published: May 2014

Background:

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends 6 months of exclusive breastfeeding, however, only 16% of US infants meet this recommendation. Shorter exclusive/predominant breastfeeding durations have been observed from women who return to work early and/or full-time.

Objective:

We assessed the relationship between prenatal plans for maternity leave duration and return to full-time/part-time status and plans for exclusive breastfeeding.

Methods:

This study included 2348 prenatally employed women from the Infant Feeding Practices Study II (2005-2007) who planned to return to work in the first year postpartum. Bivariate analysis and logistic regression were used to describe the association of maternity leave duration and return status with plans for infant feeding.

Results:

Overall, 59.5% of mothers planned to exclusively breastfeed in the first few weeks. Mothers planning to return to work within 6 weeks had 0.60 times the odds (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.46-0.77) and mothers planning to return between 7 and 12 weeks had 0.72 times the odds (95% CI, 0.56-0.92) of planning to exclusively breastfeed compared with mothers who were planning to return after 12 weeks. Prenatal plans to return full-time (≥ 30 hours/week vs part-time) were also associated with lower odds of planning to exclusively breastfeed (adjusted odds ratio = 0.61; 95% CI, 0.51-0.77).

Conclusion:

Mothers planning to return to work before 12 weeks and/or full-time were less likely to plan to exclusively breastfeed. Longer maternity leave and/or part-time return schedules may increase the proportion of mothers who plan to exclusively breastfeed.
The Circle of Dispossession: Evicting the Urban Poor in Baltimore
Authors: Purser Gretchen
Published: May 2014

Although tenant evictions are routine in impoverished urban communities throughout the USA, scholars of housing and urban poverty have consistently overlooked this social problem. Drawing predominantly upon participant observation on eviction crews in Baltimore, this study examines the social drama of eviction, focusing upon the orchestration and execution of the court-ordered physical removal of tenants and their property. I find that property managers delegate the ‘dirty work’ of dispossession to a dispossessed population and that laborers on eviction crews tend to differentiate and distance themselves from the people they are evicting, adopting the dominant belief that eviction is rooted in the individual, moral deficiencies of the tenant. These findings reveal that those who are excluded from the American ‘paradigm of propertied citizenship’ – the homeless – are used to enforce, and serve to legitimate, that very paradigm. I argue that evictions entail a circle of dispossession, reproduced both materially and ideologically.
Getting your hands dirty: critical action research in a state agency
Authors: Ram Monder , Edwards Paul , Jones Trevor , Kiselinchev Alex , Muchenje Lovemore
Published: May 2014

How can critical social scientists pursue critically engaged research? This question is addressed by examining how an action research intervention, informed by critical realism, was used to assist a business support agency (SUPPAG) to provide support to new migrant business owners. The article responds to calls for more engaged approaches to research, and more engagement with new migrants in different forms of employment. Key critical realist ideas (layered ontology, mechanisms, morphogenetic loops) shaped: the theoretical perspective; the approach to action research; the findings; and practice at SUPPAG. A key conclusion is that ‘engaged’ research is possible without compromising a commitment to critical scholarship.
Study of optimal strategy and linkage-model for external non-circular helical gears shaping
Authors: Liu Youyu
Published: May 2014

As an efficient manufacturing method for gears, shaping technology developed for non-circular helical gears will greatly break through the dilemma of their applications; especially for those gears with part of pitch curves being concave, being not able to be hobbed. Two fundamental linkage-models for external non-circular helical gears were built based on the meshing theory of non-circular gears in this article. According to four linkage methods in plane and two kinds of additional rotation in vertical direction, eight shaping strategies and their practical linkage-models (1)–(8) were developed. Taking a three-order elliptic helical gear as an example, the kinematic characteristics of the eight practical linkage-models were analyzed, which reveals that equal arc-length of gear billet (models (3) and (4)) have the highest accuracy under a given efficiency. The dynamic characteristics of models (3) and (4) were analyzed, which shows that model (4) (equal arc-length of gear billet and additional rotation on shaper cutter) is better in performance, and is an optimal one. The optimal linkage-model was demonstrated to be valid by a virtual shaping, and be able to shape those non-circular helical gears with part of pitch curves being concave. Moreover, the accuracy among every gear tooth is uniform. The theory developed and the results of the virtual shaping were illustrated with a shaping experiment. The train of thought and the results will be useful for any external non-circular helical gears with free pitch curves.
Experimental and numerical research on the underwater sound radiation of floating structures with covering layers
Authors: Zhu Dawei , Huang Xiuchang , wang Yu , Xiao Feng , Hua Hongxing
Published: May 2014

This paper presents experimental and numerical investigation into the underwater sound radiation characteristics of a free-floating stiffened metal box covered with three different kinds of covering layers and subjected to mechanical excitation. One box is bare while the other three are, respectively, covered with solid covering layers, chiral covering layers, and chiral covering layers filled with expanded polystyrene (EPS) foams. The equivalent elastic modulus of chiral covering layer is obtained by the homogenization theory. The finite element method and boundary element method are used to calculate the underwater sound pressure. The measured and numerical results are illustrated and the sound insulation mechanisms of three covering layers are discussed. The measured results agree with the numerical results well. The covering layers can obviously reduce the underwater sound radiation of floating structures. Compared with the solid covering layer, the chiral covering layer is less effective in suppressing the sound radiation in the low-frequency range but more effective in the medium- and high-frequency range. The chiral covering layer filled with EPS foams shows the best performance, which is more effective in suppressing the sound radiation both in the low-frequency range and in the medium-frequency range. The EPS foams have a high contribution to the added damping of the chiral covering layer.
Vibration properties of slab track installed on a viaduct
Authors: Dai Feng , Thompson David J , Zhu Ying , Liu Xueyi
Published: May 2014

A model of the vibration behaviour of a discontinuous slab track installed on a viaduct is presented. It is represented by a three-layer Euler–Bernoulli beam model subjected to a harmonic load. Analytical equations are derived using the receptance method, and they are used to determine the vibration properties of the system. Comparisons are made between the vibration behaviour under various parameter conditions of the Chinese CRTS I slab track and a typical floating slab track installed on a viaduct. Attention is focused on the mobility, vibration isolation and track decay rates. The results show that, as expected, the floating slab track generates significantly lower viaduct vibrations than the CRTS I slab track. A slab track fitted with a relatively stiff rail pad and soft bearing layer is recommended for consideration during the engineering design phase; appropriate choices can lead to the optimization of the vibration isolation performance of a railway track on a viaduct, thus avoiding the creation of excessive rail vibrations. It is also shown that the average response of the viaduct gives a more representative assessment of the vibration isolation effect than if the average force transmitted to the viaduct is used. Moreover, in terms of insertion loss, these results are relatively insensitive to the choice of viaduct parameters.
Get Yourself Tested 2011–2012: Findings and prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae at an urban public health system
Authors: Roston Alicia , Suleta Katie , Stempinski Kelly , Keith Louis , Patel Ashlesha
Published: May 2014

During April 2011 and April 2012 the Get Yourself Tested campaign was launched throughout the Cook County Health and Hospitals System to promote testing of Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (GC) among 15–25-year-olds in a high-prevalence urban community. Retrospective data were collected and analysed. Demographic differences by CT and GC positivity were evaluated along with factors associated with CT and GC status. A total of 2853 tests were conducted among individuals aged 15–25 years. A total of 2060 (72%) females and 793 (28%) males were tested. Of those tested, 488 (17%) individuals tested positive for either CT or GC or both; 400 (14%) were positive for CT, 139 (5%) were positive for GC. The prevalence for GC was 8.8% ( n = 70) in males compared to 3.3% ( n = 69) in females ( p < 0.001) and the prevalence of CT was 16% ( n = 127) for males compared to 13.3% ( n = 273) for females ( p = 0.057). Women in a high-risk population are more likely to get tested for sexually transmitted infections; however, men are more likely to test positive for CT and GC. Get Yourself Tested is an important campaign to encourage wider spread testing among populations at risk in Cook County.
Delay-dependent robust H∞ control for uncertain stochastic systems with time-varying delays in state and control input
Authors: Wang Cheng , Shen Yi
Published: May 2014

This article deals with the robust H∞ control problem for uncertain stochastic systems with time-varying delays in state and control input. The time delay is assumed to be a time-varying continuous function varying in an interval and uncertainties are assumed to be norm bounded. New delay-dependent criteria for the existence of memoryless state feedback H∞ controller are proposed to guarantee robust asymptotic stability in the mean square as well as the prescribed H∞ performance level of the closed-loop systems for all admissible uncertainties. The main contribution of this article is the instrumental idea of delay decomposing, which leads the resultant conditions to be much less conservative than the existing results in the literature with the decomposing getting thinner. By using free-weighting matrices and a new technique to estimate the upper bound of the stochastic differential of Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional candidate, new delay-dependent conditions are derived by considering the relationship among the time-varying delay and its lower and upper bounds without ignoring any useful terms. The advantage of the results proposed in this article lies in their reduced conservatism, as shown via illustrative examples, which also demonstrates the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Medication Regimen Complexity and Unplanned Hospital Readmissions in Older People
Authors: Wimmer Barbara C. , Dent Elsa , Bell J. Simon , Wiese Michael D. , Chapman Ian , Johnell Kristina , Visvanathan Renuka
Published: May 2014

Background: Medication-related problems and adverse drug events are leading causes of preventable hospitalizations. Few previous studies have investigated the possible association between medication regimen complexity and unplanned rehospitalization. Objective: To investigate the association between discharge medication regimen complexity and unplanned rehospitalization over a 12-month period. Method: The prospective study comprised patients aged ≥70 years old consecutively admitted to a Geriatrics Evaluation and Management (GEM) unit between October 2010 and December 2011. Medication regimen complexity at discharge was calculated using the 65-item validated Medication Regimen Complexity Index (MRCI). Cox proportional-hazards regression was used to compute unadjusted and adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% CIs for factors associated with rehospitalization over a 12-month follow-up period. Result: Of 163 eligible patients, 99 patients had one or more unplanned hospital readmissions. When adjusting for age, sex, activities of daily living, depression, comorbidity, cognitive status, and discharge destination, MRCI (HR = 1.01; 95% CI = 0.81-1.26), number of discharge medications (HR = 1.01; 95% CI = 0.94-1.08), and polypharmacy (≥9 medications; HR = 1.12; 95% CI = 0.69-1.80) were not associated with rehospitalization. In patients discharged to nonhome settings, there was an association between rehospitalization and the number of discharge medications (HR = 1.12; 95% CI = 1.01-1.25) and polypharmacy (HR = 2.24; 95% CI = 1.02-4.94) but not between rehospitalization and MRCI (HR = 1.32; 95% CI = 0.98-1.78). Conclusion: Medication regimen complexity was not associated with unplanned hospital readmission in older people. However, in patients discharged to nonhome settings, the number of discharge medications and polypharmacy predicted rehospitalization. A patient’s discharge destination is an important factor in unplanned medication-related readmissions.
An Additional Case of Breast Tumor Resembling the Tall Cell Variant of Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma
Authors: Colella Renato , Guerriero Angela , Giansanti Michele , Sidoni Angelo , Bellezza Guido
Published: May 2014

A type of breast tumor histopathologically similar to the papillary thyroid carcinoma has been described and named “Breast tumor resembling the tall cell variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma.” Because breast is not an uncommon site for metastasis and about 5% of all such cases are of the thyroid origin, it is important to be aware of the existence of mammary tumors that can closely mimic a thyroid tumor representing a dangerous diagnostic pitfall that can also lead to unnecessary clinical investigations. Here, we describe a singular case of “Breast tumor resembling the tall cell variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma” showing an amazing macroscopic and microscopic resemblance with thyroid tissue harboring a papillary carcinoma.
Border surveillance, mobility management and the shaping of non-publics in Europe
Authors: Dijstelbloem Huub , Broeders Dennis
Published: May 2014

Social sorting of migrants and travellers based on data stored in information systems is at the centre of border controls and mobility management in Europe. Recent literature finds that the inclusion-exclusion distinction is insufficiently equipped to do justice to the variety of classifications that is being applied. Instead, a proliferation of refined categorizations determines the outcome of visa and permit applications. This article explores the ‘administrative ecology’ in between the two extremes of inclusion and exclusion. It claims information technologies encourage the emergence of an intermediary category of ‘non-publics’ situated between the level of groups and the level of individuals. The ontological and normative status of these ‘non-publics’ will be analysed by using some key notions of Actor-Network Theory.
Metatarsal fractures: A review and current concepts
Authors: Boutefnouchet Tarek , Budair Basil , Backshayesh Peyman , Ali Seyed A
Published: May 2014

Metatarsal fractures represent a significant proportion of foot injuries. Various patterns of metatarsal injuries exist and the resultant impact on function and quality of life is not negligible. This in fact reflected the attention given to these fractures in the medical literature. Conventionally, a complete clinical and radiological assessment is needed in order to guide management and tailor treatment options to the clinical and functional needs of the individual metatarsal fracture. This article provides a thorough review of all metatarsal fractures; it examines the latest literature especially in relation to management of distinct types of metatarsal fractures. Special attention is given to the first metatarsal due to its important implication in stable functionality of the first ray and foot. In relation to the higher incidence of fifth metatarsal fractures this article provides a broader review of their management.
Beyond Androgen Deprivation
Authors: McCarty Mark F. , Hejazi Jalal , Rastmanesh Reza
Published: May 2014

The large majority of clinical prostate cancers remain dependent on androgen receptor (AR) activity for proliferation even as they lose their responsiveness to androgen deprivation or antagonism. AR activity can be maintained in these circumstances by increased AR synthesis—often reflecting increased NF-κB activation; upregulation of signaling pathways that promote AR activity in the absence of androgens; and by emergence of AR mutations or splice variants lacking the ligand-binding domain, which render the AR constitutively active. Drugs targeting the N-terminal transactivating domain of the AR, some of which are now in preclinical development, can be expected to inhibit the activity not only of unmutated ARs but also of the mutant forms and splice variants selected for by androgen deprivation. Concurrent measures that suppress AR synthesis or boost AR turnover could be expected to complement the efficacy of such drugs. A number of nutraceuticals that show efficacy in prostate cancer xenograft models—including polyphenols from pomegranate, grape seed, and green tea, the crucifera metabolite diindolylmethane, and the hormone melatonin—have the potential to suppress AR synthesis via downregulation of NF-κB activity; clinical doses of salicylate may have analogous efficacy. The proteasomal turnover of the AR is abetted by diets with a high ratio of long-chain omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids, which are beneficial in prostate cancer xenograft models; berberine and sulforaphane, by inhibiting AR’s interaction with its chaperone Hsp90, likewise promote AR proteasomal degradation and retard growth of human prostate cancer in nude mice. Hinge region acetylation of the AR is required for optimal transactivational activity, and low micromolar concentrations of the catechin epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) can inhibit such acetylation—possibly explaining the ability of EGCG administration to suppress androgenic activity and cell proliferation in prostate cancer xenografts. Hence, it is proposed that regimens featuring an N-terminal domain-targeting drug, various nutraceuticals/drugs that downregulate NF-κB activity, and/or supplemental intakes of fish oil, berberine, sulforaphane, and EGCG have potential for blocking proliferation of prostate cancer by targeting its characteristic addiction to androgen receptor activity.
Towards Law as an Artistic Medium: William E. Jones’s Tearoom
Authors: Kee Joan
Published: May 2014

Comprised entirely of police surveillance footage initially used to prosecute violators of anti-sodomy laws, William E. Jones’s 2007 film Tearoom embodies the potential value of regarding law itself an artistic medium. The viewing experience it offers contends that when we regard images as artworks, that is, as both a separate, imagined realm and as a specific configuration of materials free of any preordained practical function, we are then most able to grasp law’s dependence on the aesthetic choices of its agents, and in turn, law’s own materiality. Such discernment reflects a more productive relationship between visual art and the law, one founded on symbiosis rather than on decided antagonism or indifference.
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia of the bladder: an atypical etiology of gross hematuria
Authors: Desai Vikas , Isharwal Sudhir , Pooli Aydin , Lele Subodh , Feloney Michael
Published: May 2014

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a rare hematologic disorder with affected patients having complications of frequent infections and possible transformation to a more aggressive malignancy. The occurrence of CLL in the bladder is a rare event, with few reported cases. As a result, its aggressiveness and the optimal course for treatment are unknown. Despite this, its presence in the bladder warrants continued surveillance, as recurrence and progression to other bladder malignancies are possible. We present a 71-year-old woman initially diagnosed with CLL who was plagued by recurrent hematuria and dysuria for over a decade, which lead to multiple negative urologic workups. However, these continued workups eventually lead to her diagnosis of bladder CLL with a subsequent finding of carcinoma in situ that was prompted by a suspicious surveillance cystoscopy performed 4 months after her initial bladder diagnosis. Hence, infiltration of CLL in the urinary bladder merits close follow up, including additional urologic procedures.
Open reduction and fixation of displaced lateral clavicle fractures using the Minimally Invasive Acromioclavicular Joint Reconstruction (MINAR®) technique: a case series review
Authors: Kenyon Peter , Morgan Barnes William , Webb Mark , Ebreo Darren , Wheelton Andrew , Ravenscroft Matt John
Published: May 2014

Background

Lateral end of clavicle fractures can be a challenge, with a 20% to 30% non-union rate if treated non-operatively. Several operative options exist, each having their own merits and some having potential disadvantages. The Minimally Invasive Acromioclavicular Joint Reconstruction (MINAR®) (Storz, Tutlingen, Germany) set uses an Orthocord (Depuy Synthes Mitek, Leeds, UK) suture and two Flip Tacks (Storz) via a transclavicular-coracoid approach to reconstruct the coracoclavicular ligaments.

Methods

Referrals were made to two senior surgeons at separate institutions regarding Robinson Type 3 fractures of the lateral end of the clavicle. All patients were treated with MINAR implant via a minimally invasive approach. Two-year follow-up was obtained using the Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS) and the Quick DASH (Disability of the Arm Shoulder and Hand) score.

Results

Sixteen cases of acute fractures of the lateral end of the clavicle were included in this series. At final follow-up, the mean OSS was 44.75 (range 35 to 48) and the median Quick DASH score was 2.3 (range 0 to 35.9). Fifteen patients achieved bony union (one asymptomatic non-union) and there were no complications or re-operations.

Conclusions

The MINAR is reproducible and safe when treating lateral end of clavicle fractures. We consider that, over the short- to mid-term, it achieves results equivalent to those for other implants.
A Novel Hierarchal-Based Approach to Measure Insulin Sensitivity and Secretion in At-Risk Populations
Authors: Docherty Paul D. , Chase J. Geoffrey , Te Morenga Lisa , Fisk Liam M.
Published: May 2014

Background:

The pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes is characterized by insulin resistance and insulin secretory dysfunction. Few existing metabolic tests measure both characteristics, and no such tests are inexpensive enough to enable widespread use.

Methods:

A hierarchical approach uses 2 down-sampled tests in the dynamic insulin sensitivity and secretion test (DISST) family to first determine insulin sensitivity ( SI) using 4 glucose measurements. Second the insulin secretion is determined for only participants with reduced SI using 3 C-peptide measurements from the original test. The hierarchical approach is assessed via its ability to classify 214 individual test responses of 71 females with an elevated risk of type 2 diabetes into 5 bins with equivalence to the fully sampled DISST.

Results:

Using an arbitrary SI cut-off, 102 test responses were reassayed for C-peptide and unique insulin secretion characteristics estimated. The hierarchical approach correctly classified 84.5% of the test responses and 94.4% of the responses of individuals with increased fasting glucose.

Conclusions:

The hierarchical approach is a low-cost methodology for measuring key characteristics of type 2 diabetes. Thus the approach could provide an economical approach to studying the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes, or in early risk screening. As the higher cost test uses the same clinical protocol as the low-cost test, the cost of the additional information is limited to the assay cost of C-peptide, and no additional procedures or callbacks are required.
Flux modification for AC-TIG braze welding of aluminium to stainless steel
Authors: He H. , Yang C. , Lin S. , Fan C. , Chen Z. , Chen Z.
Published: May 2014

A modified flux consisting of KAlF4 and aluminium powder was developed for AC-TIG braze welding of aluminium to stainless steel. By employing the flux, the arc instability and wetting angle was decreased significantly, and therefore a good joint shape was obtained. The wetting and spreading behaviour as well as the action mechanism of the flux were changed. Microstructure analysis suggested that the intermetallic compound (IMC) thickness increased obviously when the addition percentage of aluminium powder in the flux exceeded 40 wt-%. Results of tensile tests illustrated that a significant improvement in mechanical properties of the butt joint was obtained with the modified flux, and tensile strength increased from 125 to 170 MPa in maximum. Relationships between aluminium powder content in the flux and wetting angle, IMC thickness as well as tensile strength were established. Results indicated that the joint strength was affected both by weld shape and IMC thickness.
Critical Assessment 4: Challenges in developing high temperature materials
Authors: Pint B. A.
Published: May 2014

Materials are a key enabling feature for high efficiency engines for power generation or transportation. While significant research continues, progress in this century has certainly slowed compared to the previous century where modern materials science spawned a rapid advance in high temperature materials. One area that hampers new high temperature materials is a lack of inherent (i.e. uncoated) oxidation or environmental resistance, especially for the highest temperature applications such as Ni-base superalloys for turbomachinery. Thus, there appears to be more opportunity to develop materials for 600–1000°C applications than for higher temperatures. New materials requirements ranging from mechanical and environmental resistance to manufacturing and joining need to be clearly defined and experimental work focused on validating these properties for successful alloy development to proceed. For most applications the materials requirements have become so broad and complex that progress by single researchers is difficult. A teaming approach, especially among research institutions and industry, is needed to both define the critical needs and assemble experts in a range of disciplines to address these issues during the materials development process.
Structure and electrical properties evolution of B-site complex ions (Li1/4Nb3/4) modification BNT–BT ceramics
Authors: Ma X. X. , Li W. Z. , Zeng W. D. , Zhou C. R. , Yang T. , Yu Q. Y. , Zeng J. M.
Published: May 2014

B-site complex ions (Li1/4Nb3/4)4+ modification (Bi1/2Na1/2)0·94Ba0·06TiO3 ceramics with compositions of (Bi1/2Na1/2)0·94Ba0·06Ti1−x(Li1/4Nb3/4)xO3 ( x = 0, 0·01, 0·03 and 0·06) have been synthesised via the conventional solid state reaction. The effect of (Li1/4Nb3/4)4+ content and sintering temperature on structures and electrical properties were investigated. It was found that both compositions and sintering temperatures have no significant effect on the crystal structure, and trace (Li1/4Nb3/4)4+ addition and sintering temperatures have a great influence on the microstructure. Two obvious dielectric anomaly peaks ( Td and Tm) were observed and dielectric constant for all poled specimens displayed significant frequency dispersion at Td and diffusion phase transition at Tm. The piezoelectric properties of the ceramics are insensitive to the sintering temperatures, and the composition with x = 0·03 sintering at 1150°C exhibits favourable piezoelectric properties of d33 = 155 pC N−1 and kp = 0·312.
Validation of ZAP-70 methylation and its relative significance in predicting outcome in chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Authors: Claus Rainer , Lucas David M. , Ruppert Amy S. , Williams Katie E. , Weng Daniel , Patterson Kara , Zucknick Manuela , Oakes Christopher C. , Rassenti Laura Z. , Greaves Andrew W. , Geyer Susan , Wierda William G. , Brown Jennifer R. , Gribben John G. , Barrientos Jacqueline C. , Rai Kanti R. , Kay Neil E. , Kipps Thomas J. , Shields Peter , Zhao Weiqiang , Grever Michael R. , Plass Christoph , Byrd John C.
Published: May 2014

Key Points

Methylation analysis at ZAP-70 CpG+223 in CLL provides superior prognostic information vs IGHV status or CD38 or ZAP-70 expression. A pyrosequencing method for the feasible assessment of CpG+223 methylation in CLL samples is provided.
Wide-neck renal artery aneurysm: parenchymal sparing endovascular treatment with a new device
Authors: Rossi Michele , Varano Gianluca Maria , Orgera Gianluigi , Rebonato Alberto , Laurino Florindo , De Nunzio Cosimo
Published: May 2014

Background

Renal artery aneurysm is a rare disorder with a high mortality rate in the event of rupture, the most frequent complication, which can also occur in lesions smaller than those indicated for treatment by current criteria. Surgery is still the first-line treatment, although a growing trend toward endovascular management of visceral artery aneurysms has emerged because of the high efficacy and low invasiveness that has been demonstrated by several authors. Treatment of wide-necked aneurysms and, depending on location, those at renal artery bifurcations or distal branches is more complex and may require invasive surgical techniques, such as bench surgery.

Case presentation

We describe the successful use of a new neurointerventional coil to treat an enlarging wide-necked segmental-branch renal aneurysm in an elderly woman who was not a candidate for surgery because of several comorbidities.

Conclusions

The technique described allowed safe, successful treatment of a wide-necked aneurysm in an unfavorable vascular territory, reducing the risk of downstream artery embolization and consequent parenchymal damage and decreased renal function. In similar cases, other endovascular devices have often proven to be ineffective at nephron sparing. To validate the safety and efficacy of this system, more cases treated in this manner should be studied.
The 3,000 rice genomes project
Authors:   The 3,000 rice genomes project
Published: May 2014

Background

Rice, Oryza sativa L., is the staple food for half the world's population. By 2030, the production of rice must increase by at least 25% in order to keep up with global population growth and demand. Accelerated genetic gains in rice improvement are needed to mitigate the effects of climate change and loss of arable land, as well as to ensure a stable global food supply.

Findings

We resequenced a core collection of 3,000 rice accessions from 89 countries. All 3,000 genomes had an average sequencing depth of 14×, with average genome coverages and mapping rates of 94.0% and 92.5%, respectively. From our sequencing efforts, approximately 18.9 million single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in rice were discovered when aligned to the reference genome of the temperate japonica variety, Nipponbare. Phylogenetic analyses based on SNP data confirmed differentiation of the O. sativa gene pool into 5 varietal groups – indica, aus/boro, basmati/sadri, tropical japonica and temperate japonica.

Conclusions

Here, we report an international resequencing effort of 3,000 rice genomes. This data serves as a foundation for large-scale discovery of novel alleles for important rice phenotypes using various bioinformatics and/or genetic approaches. It also serves to understand the genomic diversity within O. sativa at a higher level of detail. With the release of the sequencing data, the project calls for the global rice community to take advantage of this data as a foundation for establishing a global, public rice genetic/genomic database and information platform for advancing rice breeding technology for future rice improvement.
Hyaluronidase injection for the treatment of eyelid edema: a retrospective analysis of 20 patients
Authors: Hilton Said , Schrumpf Holger , Buhren Bettina Alexandra , Bölke Edwin , Gerber Peter Arne
Published: May 2014

Background

Hyaluronidase (Hylase Dessau®) is a hyaluronic acid-metabolizing enzyme, which has been shown to loosen the extracellular matrix, thereby improving the diffusion of local anesthetics. Lower eyelid edema is a common post-interventional complication of cosmetic procedures performed in the lid region, such as the injection of hyaluronic acid fillers for tear-trough augmentation. The purpose of this study was to validate the efficacy of hyaluronidase in the management of lower eyelid edema.

Methods

We performed a retrospective analysis with 20 patients with lower eyelid edema. Most patients (n = 14) presented with edema following hyaluronic acid injection (tear-trough augmentation), whereas the minority (n = 6) were treated due to idiopathic edema (malar edema or malar mounds). Patients were treated by local infiltration of approximately 0.2 ml to 0.5 ml of hyaluronidase (Hylase Dessau® 20 IU to 75 IU) per eyelid. Photographs were taken prior to and seven days after infiltration.

Results

Hyaluronidase was found to reduce effectively and rapidly or resolve eyelid edema after a single injection. No relevant adverse effects were observed. However, it must be noted that a hyaluronidase injection may also dissolve injected hyaluronic acid fillers and may therefore negatively affect tear-trough augmentations. While the effects of a treatment for edema due to tear-trough augmentation were permanent, malar edema and malar mounds reoccurred within two to three weeks.

Conclusion

The infiltration of hyaluronidase is rapid, safe and currently the only effective option for the management of eyelid edema. No relevant adverse effects were observed.
Ambient x-ray pollution assessment at inspection gates of airports- a case study of Mehrabad and Imam Khomeini Airports in Iran
Authors: Pourtaghi Gholamhossein , Valipour Firouz , Nourian Sepideh , Mofidi Amirabbas
Published: May 2014

Background

As a well-known, physical carcinogen, ambient X-ray pollution assessment would be of great importance in today’s modern world. Accordingly, the present study was done to measure the exposure level of ambient X-ray at inspection gates of two airports in Iran. According to which, the X-ray was measured at different points of the inspection gates including closed and opened Curtain, as well as seating place of operators beside the X-ray inspection systems. The recorded data were then analyzed by “sign” and t-tests.

Results

The total average exposure level of the measured x-ray was 2.68 ± 0.73 μsv.h-1. The measured x-ray exposure level was 2.07 ± 0.61 (μsv.h-1) released from RAPISCAN X-ray inspection system and 3.3 ± 1.34 (μsv.h-1) emitted from HEIMANN X-ray inspection system. Comparison of average x-ray doses of the systems in both airports showed that the minimum and maximum exposure levels were recorded at 1(m) far from the devices and at the entrance of the devices, respectively.

Conclusions

The exposure levels at all measurement points were lower than the occupational exposure limit. This reveals the fact that the exposed operators are not probably at risk of adverse health effects.
The association of family food security and depression in mothers having primary school children in Ray-Iran
Authors: Payab Moloud , Motlagh Ahmad-reza Dorosty , Eshraghian Mohammadreza , Rostami Reza , Siassi Fereydoun
Published: May 2014

Background

As a major public health problem, food insecurity has adverse social and psychological effects, in addition to the impact on public health. This study aimed to determine the association of household food security and depression in mothers with primary school children in Ray County.

Methods

This descriptive, analytical cross-sectional study was conducted on 430 mothers with primary school children in the spring 2010. During a two-stage cluster sampling, an 18-items food security questionnaire (USDA) and the Beck depression inventory were completed via interviewing mothers. Chi-squared test, one-way analysis of variance, simple regression and stepwise multiple regression were used to describe and analyze data, and to identify related factors using SPSS-16 software.

Results

The prevalence of food insecurity and depression in mothers were 50.2% and 51.4% respectively. Also 34.6% of mothers in the "food secure" group were depressed and 77.8% in "food insecure with hunger" group were depressed and this difference was statistically significant. Twelve out of the 20 examined variables (age, family size, number of children, economic status, home ownership, employment households, educational level of the mother and also the head of household, height, energy intake, and carbohydrate and protein intakes) were significantly associated with food security and depression. Food insecurity and depression in mothers with primary school children in Ray County showed a significant positive correlation (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

The prevalence of household food insecurity and depression in the studied population were high. Since there is a significant relationship between food insecurity and depression, more attention must be paid to this group.
Circulating tumor DNA moves further into the spotlight
Authors: Sausen Mark , Parpart Sonya , Diaz Luis A
Published: May 2014

Assessment of somatic genomic alterations from tumors can now be performed by sequencing circulating tumor DNA from the cell-free component of blood. This procedure, which identifies tumor-derived somatic mutations from a simple blood sample, circumvents the need for tumor tissue. A recent study highlights the promise of circulating tumor DNA to guide therapeutic decisions in a variety of solid tumors for both clinical and investigative purposes, as well as providing a tool for the early detection of cancer.
Lenalidomide and Rituximab for the Initial Treatment of Patients With Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: A Multicenter Clinical-Translational Study From the Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Research Consortium
Authors: James Danelle F. , Werner Lillian , Brown Jennifer R. , Wierda William G. , Barrientos Jacqueline C. , Castro Januario E. , Greaves Andrew , Johnson Amy J. , Rassenti Laura Z. , Rai Kanti R. , Neuberg Donna , Kipps Thomas J.
Published: May 2014

Purpose

Lenalidomide is an immunomodulatory agent with therapeutic activity in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). In preclinical models, lenalidomide acted synergistically with rituximab. The CLL Research Consortium initiated a phase II study to evaluate this combination in treatment-naive patients.

Patients and Methods

Lenalidomide was initiated at 2.5 mg/day and was escalated based on treatment tolerability to a maximum of 10 mg/day, for 21 days/cycle, for a maximum of seven cycles. Rituximab was administered at the end of cycle 1 and was continued for seven cycles. Patients received allopurinol and aspirin for prophylaxis.

Results

Sixty-nine patients enrolled onto one of two age-specific strata; patients' median age was 56 and 70 years for arms A and B, respectively. Patients in the older-patient stratum more frequently had elevated serum beta-2 microglobulin levels, high-risk Rai stage, and were less likely to complete the maximum planned therapy. Adverse events were similar in the two arms. Nonhematologic toxicity was predominantly at grade 1/2, and neutropenia was the most common hematologic adverse event. The response rate for arm A was 95%, with 20% complete responses (CRs) and 20% nodular partial responses. Of arm B patients, 78% achieved a response, of which 11% were CRs. Median progression-free survival (PFS) was 19 months for the younger cohort and 20 months for the older cohort.

Conclusion

Intrapatient dose-escalation was safe. The majority of patients reached the maximum lenalidomide dose and experienced a response to a defined seven-cycle course of lenalidomide and rituximab therapy. Despite differences in baseline characteristics and the response rate between the two strata, the PFS did not differ.
Prior experience with conspecific signals enhances auditory midbrain responsiveness to conspecific vocalizations
Authors: Gall Megan D. , Wilczynski Walter
Published: May 2014

There is a long history in neuroethology of investigating how communication signals influence the brain and behavior. It has become increasingly clear that brain areas associated with sensory processing are plastic in adults and that this plasticity is related to reproductive condition. However, the role of communication signal reception in adult auditory plasticity has received relatively little attention. Here, we investigated whether the reception of communication signals (a frog chorus) could enhance the responsiveness of the auditory system to future reception of communication signals (a single male call). We found that animals that had been exposed to 10 days of a male chorus had stronger auditory midbrain immediate early gene expression than animals that had been exposed to 10 days of random tones when tested with 30 min of male calls or 30 min of tones. Our results suggest that exposure to dynamic social stimuli, like frog choruses, may play an important role in shaping the neural and behavioral responses to communication signals.
Scaling of the hydrostatic skeleton in the earthwormLumbricus terrestris
Authors: Kurth Jessica A. , Kier William M.
Published: May 2014

The structural and functional consequences of changes in size or scale have been well studied in animals with rigid skeletons, but relatively little is known about scale effects in animals with hydrostatic skeletons. We used glycol methacrylate histology and microscopy to examine the scaling of mechanically important morphological features of the earthworm Lumbricus terrestris over an ontogenetic size range from 0.03 to 12.89 g. We found that L. terrestris becomes disproportionately longer and thinner as it grows. This increase in the length to diameter ratio with size means that, when normalized for mass, adult worms gain ~117% mechanical advantage during radial expansion, compared with hatchling worms. We also found that the cross-sectional area of the longitudinal musculature scales as body mass to the ~0.6 power across segments, which is significantly lower than the 0.66 power predicted by isometry. The cross-sectional area of the circular musculature, however, scales as body mass to the ~0.8 power across segments, which is significantly higher than predicted by isometry. By modeling the interaction of muscle cross-sectional area and mechanical advantage, we calculate that the force output generated during both circular and longitudinal muscle contraction scales near isometry. We hypothesize that the allometric scaling of earthworms may reflect changes in soil properties and burrowing mechanics with size.
Biomechanics of substrate boring by fig wasps
Authors: Kundanati Lakshminath , Gundiah Namrata
Published: May 2014

Female insects of diverse orders bore into substrates to deposit their eggs. Such insects must overcome several biomechanical challenges to successfully oviposit, which include the selection of suitable substrates through which the ovipositor can penetrate without itself fracturing. In many cases, the insect may also need to steer and manipulate the ovipositor within the substrate to deliver eggs at desired locations before rapidly retracting her ovipositor to avoid predation. In the case of female parasitoid ichneumonid wasps, this process is repeated multiple times during her lifetime, thus testing the ability of the ovipositioning apparatus to endure fracture and fatigue. What specific adaptations does the ovipositioning apparatus of a female ichneumonoid wasp possess to withstand these challenges? We addressed this question using a model system composed of parasitoid and pollinator fig wasps. First, we show that parasitoid ovipositor tips have teeth-like structures, preferentially enriched with zinc, unlike the smooth morphology of pollinator ovipositors. We describe sensillae present on the parasitoid ovipositor tip that are likely to aid in the detection of chemical species and mechanical deformations and sample microenvironments within the substrate. Second, using atomic force microscopy, we show that parasitoid tip regions have a higher modulus compared with regions proximal to the abdomen in parasitoid and pollinator ovipositors. Finally, we use videography to film wasps during substrate boring and analyse buckling of the ovipositor to estimate the forces required for substrate boring. Together, these results allow us to describe the biomechanical principles underlying substrate boring in parasitoid ichneumonid wasps. Such studies may be useful for the biomimetic design of surgical tools and in the use of novel mechanisms to bore through hard substrates.
Language, Meaning, and Games: A Model of Communication, Coordination, and Evolution: Comment
Authors: Heller Yuval
Published: May 2014

Demichelis and Weibull (2008) show that adding lexicographic lying costs to coordination games with cheap talk yields a sharp prediction: only the efficient outcome is evolutionarily stable. I show that this result is caused by the discontinuity of preferences rather than by small lying costs per se. Finally, I discuss why discontinuity may not be an appealing assumption in evolutionary models. (JEL C72, C73, Z13)
Evolutionary patterns of Escherichia coli small RNAs and their regulatory interactions
Authors: Peer Asaf , Margalit Hanah
Published: May 2014

Most bacterial small RNAs (sRNAs) are post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression, exerting their regulatory function by base-pairing with their target mRNAs. While it has become evident that sRNAs play central regulatory roles in the cell, little is known about their evolution and the evolution of their regulatory interactions. Here we used the prokaryotic phylogenetic tree to reconstruct the evolutionary history of Escherichia coli sRNAs and their binding sites on target mRNAs. We discovered that sRNAs currently present in E. coli mainly accumulated inside the Enterobacteriales order, succeeding the appearance of other types of noncoding RNAs and concurrently with the evolution of a variant of the Hfq protein exhibiting a longer C-terminal region. Our analysis of the evolutionary ages of sRNA–mRNA interactions revealed that while all sRNAs were evolutionarily older than most of their known binding sites on mRNA targets, for quite a few sRNAs there was at least one binding site that coappeared with or preceded them. It is conceivable that the establishment of these first interactions forced selective pressure on the sRNAs, after which additional targets were acquired by fitting a binding site to the active region of the sRNA. This conjecture is supported by the appearance of many binding sites on target mRNAs only after the sRNA gain, despite the prior presence of the target gene in ancestral genomes. Our results suggest a selective mechanism that maintained the sRNAs across the phylogenetic tree, and shed light on the evolution of E. coli post-transcriptional regulatory network.