bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thrombelastography Detects the Anticoagulant Effect of Rivaroxaban in Patients With Stroke
Authors: Bowry Ritvij , Fraser Stuart , Archeval-Lao Joancy M. , Parker Stephanie A. , Cai Chunyan , Rahbar Mohammad H. , Grotta James C.
Published: January 2014

Background and Purpose—

Factor Xa inhibitors are prescribed for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation. Managing such patients is challenging especially if they are eligible for thrombolysis because there is no rapidly available test to detect the effect of such medications. Thrombelastography analyzes the dynamics of coagulation and can be rapidly performed. We sought to determine whether thrombelastography can detect the anticoagulation effect of factor Xa inhibitors in patients with stroke.

Methods—

Blood from 10 patients with stroke was analyzed by thrombelastography at baseline and 2 to 18 hours after rivaroxaban administration.

Results—

Increased R, K, and δ were seen at 2, 4, and 6 hours, while G, maximum amplitude, α-angle, and LY30 were decreased. Baseline R was 5.8±0.5 when compared with 11.4±1.0 at 2 hours. R remained prolonged at 18 hours. Other thrombelastography parameters were normal by 18 hours.

Conclusions—

Thrombelastography can detect the anticoagulant effect of factor Xa inhibitors in patients with stroke and might be useful in the emergency management of those eligible for thrombolysis.
Didymocarpus heucherifolius var. yinzhengii (Gesneriaceae), a new taxon from Hunan, China
Authors: Li JiaMei , Li ShiJin
Published: January 2014

Didymocarpus heucherifolius var. yinzhengii from Hunan, China, is described and illustrated here. It is most closely related to the more widespread D. heucherifolius heucherifolius which shares calyx decided to the base and a number of similar vegetative characters. However, the new taxon is readily distinguished from the letter by the following: larger flowers (corolla up to 4cm long), corolla glabrous outside, puberulent inside at the base and staminodes absent.
Lost and found: The Eocene family Pyramimitridae (Neogastropoda) discovered in the Recent fauna of the Indo-Pacific
Authors: KANTOR YURI , LOZOUET PIERRE , PUILLANDRE NICOLAS , BOUCHET PHILIPPE
Published: January 2014

Most neogastropod families have a continuous record from the Cretaceous or Paleogene to the Recent. However, the fossil record also contains a number of obscure nominal families with unusual shell characters that are not adequately placed in the current classification. Some of these are traditionally regarded as valid, and some have been “lost” in synonymy. One such “lost” family is the Pyramimitridae, established by Cossmann in 1901 for the Eocene genus Pyramimitra, and currently included in the synonymy of Buccinidae. Examination of several species of inconspicuous, small turriform gastropods has revealed a radula type so far unknown in Neogastropoda, and their shell characters identify them as members of the "extinct" family Pyramimitridae. Neither the radular morphology nor the anatomy reveal the relationships of this enigmatic, “living fossil” family. Molecular data (12S, 16S, 28S, COI) confirm the recognition of Pyramimitridae as a distinct family, but no sister group was identified in the analysis. The family Pyramimitridae Cossmann, 1901, is thus restored as a valid family of Neogastropoda that includes the genera Pyramimitra Conrad, 1865, Endiatoma Cossmann, 1896, Vaughanites Woodring, 1928, Hortia Lozouet, 1999, and Teremitra new genus. Pyramimitrids occur in the Recent fauna at bathyal depths of the Indo-Pacific from Taiwan to Madagascar and New Zealand, with three genera and nine species (all but one new).
Redescription of the stygobitic shrimp Troglocaris (Xiphocaridinella) jusbaschjani Birštein, 1948 (Decapoda: Caridea: Atyidae) from Agura River, Sochi, Russia, with remarks on other representatives of the genus from Caucasus
Authors: MARIN IVAN , SOKOLOVA AGNIYA
Published: January 2014

The complete re-description of Caucasian local endemic stygobitic atyid shrimp Troglocaris (Xiphocaridinella) jusbaschjani Birštein, 1948 is firstly presented after its original description given by Dr. Ya. A. Birštein (1948) under the name Troglocaris schmidti jusbaschjani. The species is still known exclusively from the type locality, hydrogen sulfide bathes of the small Agura River, Sochi area, Russian Federation. Remarks on morphology, coloration of both females and males and data on ecology of Troglocaris (Xiphocaridinella) jusbaschjani Birštein, 1948 as well as remarks on morphology of relative congeneric species from Caucassus, Troglocaris (Xiphocaridinella) kutaissiana (Sadowsky, 1930) (type species of the subgenus) and Troglocaris (Xiphocaridinella) fagei Birštein, 1939, are provided. Discussion on the validity of some subgenera within the genus Troglocaris s. str. Dormitzer, 1853 are also presented.
Multicultural Policy and Political Support in European Democracies
Authors: Citrin Jack , Levy Morris , Wright Matthew
Published: January 2014

In response to growing demographic diversity, European countries have selectively implemented political multiculturalism, a set of policies that seek to redefine prevailing conceptions of national identity. We explore the consequences of such policies for mass political support. Applying multi-level modeling to the 2002 and 2010 waves of the European Social Survey and analyzing multiple dependent variables including trust in regime institutions and assessments of the government of the day and the political system’s performance, we show that the extensive adoption of multicultural policies magnifies the degree to which hostility to immigration is negatively associated with political support. This finding, robust to multiple specifications, is corroborated using European Values Survey data. It underscores how policies that challenge citizens’ conceptions of national identity strengthen the link between opposition to immigration and political discontent, furnishing ongoing opportunities for rightist fringe parties to capitalize on anti-immigrant sentiment among the politically alienated.
New approach for fatigue life prediction of composite plates using micromechanical bridging model
Authors: Adibnazari S , Farsadi M , Koochi A , Khorashadizadeh SN
Published: January 2014

The use of micromechanical models to study composite material's behavior leads to save time and cost. In this paper, bridging micromechanical models have been used in order to observe the behavior of unidirectional laminate composite under fatigue loading. In order to study the fatigue behavior, stiffness degradation has been studied as well as the strength degradation and a driftnet model has been proposed for each of them. The strength degradation has only been studied for the unidirectional fiber, while the stiffness degradation has been studied for the fibers with different fiber angle. The results are compared with macro-mechanical models and other methods in literature.
Industries in Turmoil
Authors: Weber Matthew S. , Monge Peter R.
Published: January 2014

Organizational scholars have studied the process of organizational transformation for decades, focusing on the impact of inertia and environmental disruptions as drivers of transformation. Building on this body of work, the present study demonstrates the importance of organizational agency in affecting long-term organizational change. The analysis focuses on 487 newspapers in the United States and looks at the adoption of hyperlinking as part of the process of transforming from print-based organizations to multimedia information providers during an 11-year period from 1997 to 2007. The results show that traditional newspapers that aggressively adopted hyperlinking practices had a decreased likelihood of failure in the long run. The findings provide insights into the important role of individual and organizational action in the transformation process and emphasize the utility of hyperlinks as a communicative tool for organizations seeking to adapt in a digital environment.
Italian American and African American Encounters in the City and in the Suburb
Authors: Carnevale Nancy C.
Published: January 2014

Italian American and African American relations have generally been characterized as hostile. The two groups are most often seen as encountering each other in urban centers of the Northeast. This article explores the sources of Italian American hostility against African Americans in the pre- and postwar era cities to better understand the underpinnings of racial conflict. At the same time, it highlights the complex relationship between the two groups that could include positive interaction as well as conflict and take place within the suburbs as well as within the cities. The article presents a preliminary case study of suburban Montclair, New Jersey, where from the early 1900s well into the postwar era, African Americans and Italian Americans shared neighborhoods, schools, and, to differing degrees, an outsider status that contributed to generally harmonious relations. The findings suggest that local studies that reveal specific sources of tension or peaceful coexistence can lead to a fuller understanding of relations between these two groups and interethnic/interracial relations in general.
Radiofrequency ablation combined with transcatheter therapy in rabbit VX2 liver tumors: effects and histopathological characteristics
Authors: Duan XuHua , Zhou GuoFeng , Han XinWei , Ren JianZhuang , Zheng ChuanSheng , Liang HuiMin , Feng GanSheng
Published: January 2014

Background

Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) combined with radiofrequency ablation (RFA) treatment (TACE-RFA) has been confirmed superior to TACE or RFA alone in animal liver tumors. TACE before RFA was shown to increase hepatocellular damage. Further optimization of the combination strategy for transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) or TACE combined with RFA is warranted.

Purpose

To determine the optimal strategy for radiofrequency ablation combined with transcatheter therapies in VX2 liver tumors in a rabbit model.

Material and Methods

Twenty-four Japanese White rabbits with VX2 liver tumors were randomly divided into four groups: TACE-RFA (TACE-RFA group), transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) combined with RFA treatment (TAE-RFA group), RFA only group, and TACE only group. Blood samples were collected 1 day before the operation and at 3 and 7 days postoperatively. Seven days after the operation, maximal diameters of coagulation or infarcted zones in the gross specimens, CT images, histopathological characteristics, tumor necrotic rate, and growth rate were compared.

Results

Significantly larger mean long-axis ( P < 0.05) and short-axis ( P < 0.05) diameters of coagulation and infarction were observed in the TACE-RFA group compared with the TAE-RFA, RFA, and TACE groups on day 7; and the TAE-RFA group showed a significant ( P < 0.05) increase versus the RFA and TACE groups on day 7. There were no significant differences in tumor growth rate (109.3 ± 37.5 vs. 119.0 ± 43.1%, P = 0.45) and necrotic rate (89.5 ± 12.0 vs. 83.5 ± 9.3%, P = 0.73) between the TACE-RFA and TAE-RFA groups. TACE-RFA was more effective for achieving tumor destruction than the other treatment strategies, but led to increased rabbits discomfort and more severe liver dysfunction compared with TAE-RFA.

Conclusion

TAE-RFA appears to be a beneficial therapeutic modality for treating VX2 liver tumors in a rabbit model.
Processionary Caterpillar Setae and Equine Fetal Loss
Authors: Todhunter K. H. , Cawdell-Smith A. J. , Bryden W. L. , Perkins N. R. , Begg A. P.
Published: January 2014

Pregnant mares were experimentally exposed to whole caterpillar or exoskeleton of the Processionary caterpillar ( Ochrogaster lunifer) via gavage. Tissues were collected from resulting abortions and near or full-term pregnancies consisting of 13 aborted fetuses, 3 fetuses from treated euthanized mares, membranes of 5 foals, and organs from 3 foals. Three control membranes and 1 control fetus and membranes were examined. Caterpillar setal fragments were present in the allantochorion of the 3 fetuses from the euthanized mares and 11 of 12 aborted fetuses (92%) embedded in the chorion (villi or stroma) or allantois (vasculature or stroma). Placental locations of fragments ranged from the cervical pole region to the body encompassing the umbilical insertion and pregnant horn. Numbers in each fetus ranged from 1 to 7 fragments. Setae were present in the allantochorion from 2 to 22 days after the initial treatment. Acute to chronic active inflammation was present in all aborted fetuses, all euthanized fetuses, and within at least 1 tissue level (chorion, allantois, umbilical cord, or amnion) of the membranes from full-term foals. Amnionitis, funisitis, and allantoitis were present in 95% of the examined membranes. Pneumonia was present in 95% of the specimens, and bacteria were present histologically in 90.5% of the specimens with or without accompanying inflammation. The rapid migration of setae within 2 days after mare exposure suggests that direct setal migration into the fetal membranes is a likely initiating factor for equine amnionitis and fetal loss (EAFL).
A generalized cycle counting criterion for arbitrary multi-axial fatigue loading conditions
Authors: Wei Zhigang , Dong Pingsha
Published: January 2014

In this article, a generalized cycle counting criterion applicable for both uniaxial and arbitrary multi-axial loading conditions is presented. This criterion consists of two parts: (1) an effective fatigue damage parameter definition in either stress or strain space and (2) a fatigue cycle definition corresponding to maximum damage possibly attained by the fatigue damage parameter within a given loading history. After discussing its mathematical and mechanics basis, we first provide a rigorous proof that the proposed generalized cycle counting criterion yields exactly the same results as the rainflow counting method under uniaxial variable amplitude loading conditions. Then, its applications in multi-axial fatigue are demonstrated by presenting a series of closed-form solutions of both the fatigue damage parameter and number of cycles for a general harmonic loading history of three independent traction stress components on a crack plane. The validity of the new generalized cycle counting criterion is demonstrated by its ability to correlate available fatigue test data in the literature. These new developments also provide a more refined physical and mechanics basis for the recently proposed path length–based cycle counting method developed by the same authors for performing cycle counting of variable amplitude multi-axial loading histories.
The retreat of the state and the future of social science
Authors: Baars Sam
Published: January 2014

Amidst deep cuts to public spending, the UK Coalition government announced in 2010 that it would be substantially reducing its subsidy of social science within higher education. As part of the same deficit reduction strategy, the government is cutting funding to local authorities, disproportionately hitting urban councils in the most deprived areas of the country. Just as evidence is needed on the impact of cuts on local communities, social science is in need of a renewed public agenda to legitimate its activities. This article argues that the retreat of the state creates an opportunity, and an imperative, for social science to adopt an embedded approach to research, which addresses publicly important questions, involves the public in the research process and engages the public with its findings. The article offers critical reflections on conducting and facilitating embedded research and how this approach to social science may help to secure the future of the discipline.
Women’s quotas and their effects: A comparison of Austrian and German trade unions
Authors: Kirsch Anja , Blaschke Sabine
Published: January 2014

This article discusses the introduction of women’s quotas in the Austrian confederation ÖGB and the German union ver.di, drawing on interviews with union officials, documentary analysis and statistical data. In both cases, quotas increased women’s representation as lay delegates and full-time officials, and also affected union identity and image, equality bargaining and political activity. Overall, women’s quotas in unions had a positive effect both on women’s representation and on organizational outcomes, indicating that more generally, changes in union governance can contribute to revitalization.
Place and Sense of Place
Authors: Guthey Greig Tor , Whiteman Gail , Elmes Michael
Published: January 2014

Notions of place and sense of place appear more frequently in organizational research, reflecting the growing influence of human and cultural geography on the field. This article argues that scholars should continue to explore and refine research on sustainability by engaging with these issues through concrete research on place and sense of place. After discussing the diverse ways these terms are used in scholarship outside our field, the article considers ways in which they have been used in organizational studies of sustainability and identifies ways of extending this work, including a preliminary agenda for future research. By incorporating place and sense of place, organizational scholars may find more comprehensive and transformative understandings of sustainability.
Relational self-esteem, psychological well-being, and social support in children affected by HIV
Authors: Du Hongfei , Li Xiaoming , Chi Peilian , Zhao Junfeng , Zhao Guoxiang
Published: January 2014

Self-esteem can be derived from the relationships with significant others (relational self-esteem). However, it is unclear what the importance of relational self-esteem is for mental health and whether social support from others promotes relational self-esteem. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between relational self-esteem and a multitude of indicators of psychological well-being among children affected by HIV. We also examined how social support from others would affect relational self-esteem. Results indicated that relational self-esteem was positively associated with psychological well-being. Support from significant others rather than others predicted increased relational self-esteem. Implications and directions for future research are discussed.
I think, therefore digo yo: Variable position of the 1sg subject pronoun in New Mexican Spanish-English code-switching
Authors: Benevento Nicole M. , Dietrich Amelia J.
Published: January 2014

Using the New Mexico Spanish-English Bilingual Corpus, the present paper examines the variable position of the 1sg Spanish subject pronoun yo—pre- versus post-verbal—to consider the effect that code-switching may have on structural change. In an analysis of close to 700 tokens of yo, a rate of 16% post-positioning is found, which is within the range of post-position in non-contact varieties and thus contraindicative of the convergence hypothesis, in accordance with which the almost exclusive use of preverbal subject pronouns in English would predict lower rates of post-verbal yo in a converged contact variety. Moreover, by testing factors hypothesized to account for choice of post-posing yo using multivariate analysis, it is shown that bilinguals display similar constraints on yo post-positioning in New Mexican Spanish as monolingual speakers of Spanish, providing stronger support for an anti-convergence account. Results are discussed in terms of bilingual parallel activation, syntactic priming, and construction grammar.
Is philosophy of education a historical mistake? Connecting philosophy and education differently
Authors: Biesta Gert
Published: January 2014

In this article, I suggest that the question whether the proper place for philosophy of education is in the domain of philosophy or the domain of education cannot be resolved as long as we think of the connection between philosophy and education in terms of the idea of ‘philosophy of education’. To substantiate this point, I look into the history of the idea of ‘philosophy of education’, both as a general idea and with regard to the way in which it became institutionalised in universities in the English-speaking world. I contrast this with the way in which the academic study of education developed in German-speaking countries in order to highlight that ‘philosophy of education’ is not the only way in which philosophy and education can be connected. Being aware that the connection between philosophy and education can be made differently not only provides a way out of the discussion about the proper identity and location of philosophy of education, but also hints at forms of philosophically informed scholarship that are more firmly based with the academic field of education rather than that they remain a halfway house in between philosophy and education.
The association between co-morbidities and physical performance in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Li Lok Sze Katrina , Caughey Gillian E , Johnston Kylie N
Published: January 2014

A systematic review was conducted to examine the association between co-morbidity and physical performance in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, SCOPUS and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched from inception to end-February 2013, using keywords ‘COPD’, ‘exercise’, ‘physical activity’, ‘rehabilitation’, ‘co-morbidity’ and individual co-morbid conditions. Studies reporting associations of co-morbidities in COPD with at least one objective measure of physical performance were included. Study quality was appraised using the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) checklist. Nine studies met inclusion criteria. Mean (standard deviation (SD)) STROBE score was 16 (3) (maximum score = 21). Four studies examined anxiety as a co-morbid condition; three examined depression; two examined obesity and two examined a range of conditions. Reduced physical performance was associated with higher Charlson score (odds ratio (OR) = 0.72, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.54–0.98), metabolic disease (OR = 0.58, 95% CI = 0.49–0.67), anxiety (OR = 0.37, 95% CI = 0.23–0.59) and osteoporosis (OR = 0.28, 95% CI = 0.11–0.70). Depression had minimal association with physical performance but was associated with higher dropout rates from pulmonary rehabilitation programmes. Obesity was negatively associated with baseline physical performance but not with change from an exercise intervention. The presence of co-morbid conditions in people with COPD may negatively affect physical performance and should be identified and accounted for analysis of interventions.
Toward an Integrative Theory of Psychological Defense
Authors: Hart Joshua
Published: January 2014

According to theories of “psychological defense,” humans are motivated to protect themselves against various types of psychological threat, including death awareness, uncertainty, and other inherently anxiety-provoking experiences. Protective mechanisms include strengthening close relationships; maintaining appraisals of self-worth, accomplishment, and agency; and cultivating meaningful views of the world. Thus, defensiveness theories incorporate research from many areas of psychology (e.g., information-processing biases, attitudes, and interpersonal and intergroup relations), to help explain why people think, feel, and act in the diverse ways that they do. Currently, the study of psychological defense is hindered by contradictory empirical results and a proliferation of theories that make very similar predictions. This article examines a cross-section of defensiveness theories and research, highlighting conclusions that can be drawn and areas where conceptual and research problems linger. It suggests that the field needs methodological innovation (e.g., more reliable and valid manipulations and measures of unconscious constructs, more diverse methodological approaches), a more complete and reliable body of data, and some fresh new ideas from psychological scientists across disciplines.
No Appointment Necessary
Authors: Teachman Bethany A.
Published: January 2014

The majority of individuals struggling with a mental illness do not receive treatment, and given the extremely high prevalence of mental illness and the many barriers to seeking treatment (e.g., cost, local access, stigma), it is evident that face-to-face therapy cannot get close to meeting the enormous need. Thus, the field of psychotherapy has undergone some amazing transformations over the past 25 years, including the emergence of a class of efficacious interventions designed to reduce symptoms of mental illness that do not involve any face-to-face therapist contact. eHealth interventions that deliver psychological services or training programs via computer or other technologies may help reduce the burden of mental illness by using approaches that have the potential for cost-effective and widespread dissemination. In this article, both the many unresolved questions about how to develop and deliver eHealth interventions and their potential to help respond to the large unmet treatment need are highlighted.
Why Are Childhood Family Factors Associated With Timing of Maturation? A Role for Internal Prediction
Authors: Rickard Ian J. , Frankenhuis Willem E. , Nettle Daniel
Published: January 2014

Children, particularly girls, who experience early familial adversity tend to go on to reach sexual maturity relatively early. This feature of adolescent development is believed to be an evolved strategy that arose because individuals with genes that caused them to mature relatively early under certain conditions left behind more descendants than those who did not. However, although much has been done to uncover the psychological and physiological mechanisms underlying this process, less attention has been paid to the evolutionary reasons behind why it might be advantageous. It has previously been suggested that this strategy evolved because early familial adversity accurately indicated later environmental adversity, under which conditions early reproduction would likely maximize evolutionary fitness. In this article, we contrast this “external prediction” model with an alternative explanation, which builds on the existing explanation and is mutually compatible with it but also distinct from it. We argue that accelerated development is advantageous because early adversity detrimentally affects the individual’s body, increasing later morbidity and mortality; individuals may adapt to this internal setback by accelerating their development. Unlike the external prediction model, this “internal prediction” relies not on temporal environmental continuity but on long-term effects of early circumstances on the body.
Toward an Evo-Devo Theory of Reproductive Strategy, Health, and Longevity
Authors: Belsky Jay
Published: January 2014

Rickard and associates (2014, this issue) challenge the theoretical claim that early developmental experiences influence sexual development and behavior as a result of the continuity of early- and later-life environments over the course of human history (Belsky, Steinberg, & Draper, 1991). Instead, they contend that sexual development, health, and longevity are regulated by internal (bodily) state reflective of morbidity and mortality risk. By highlighting the importance of internal state—and thereby underscoring the value of focusing on it and on the external environment early in life—these theoreticians continue the tradition of extending a line of human evolutionary–developmental (“evo-devo”) theorizing in important ways. In fact, what they make clear is that what was originally conceived as an evolutionary theory of socialization by Belsky et al. (1991) can and should develop into an evolutionary–developmental life-course theory of reproductive strategy, health, and longevity.
Race, Neighborhood Danger, and Coping Strategies Among Female Probationers and Parolees
Authors: Cobbina Jennifer E. , Morash Merry , Kashy Deborah A. , Smith Sandi W.
Published: January 2014

Research suggests that individuals on probation and parole typically reside in impoverished neighborhoods affected by multiple forms of socioeconomic disadvantage. These neighborhoods are often extremely segregated, resulting in the concentration of deleterious effects, including crime, on communities of color, especially African Americans. We build on previous research by examining how Black and White female offenders negotiate neighborhood crime in distressed communities. Using a mixed-methods approach, our findings suggest that perceptions of neighborhood safety, crime, and strategies to avoid offending are different for Black and White women and related to neighborhood context. We propose that future research should investigate long-term outcomes of the use of particular strategies to address neighborhood crime.
FVIIa as used pharmacologically is not TF dependent in hemophilia B mice
Authors: Feng Dengmin , Whinna Herbert , Monroe Dougald , Stafford Darrel W.
Published: January 2014

Key Points

A chimeric molecule that does not bind TF is as effective as FVIIa in preventing bleeding. An in vivo model of TF dependence of FVIIa supports the phospholipid-binding model.
Observation of ‘hidden’ planar defects in boron carbide nanowires and identification of their orientations
Authors: Guan Zhe , Cao Baobao , Yang Yang , Jiang Youfei , Li Deyu , Xu Terry T
Published: January 2014

The physical properties of nanostructures strongly depend on their structures, and planar defects in particular could significantly affect the behavior of the nanowires. In this work, planar defects (twins or stacking faults) in boron carbide nanowires are extensively studied by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Results show that these defects can easily be invisible, i.e., no presence of characteristic defect features like modulated contrast in high-resolution TEM images and streaks in diffraction patterns. The simplified reason of this invisibility is that the viewing direction during TEM examination is not parallel to the (001)-type planar defects. Due to the unique rhombohedral structure of boron carbide, planar defects are only distinctive when the viewing direction is along the axial or short diagonal directions ([100], [010], or

1
¯

10

) within the (001) plane (in-zone condition). However, in most cases, these three characteristic directions are not parallel to the viewing direction when boron carbide nanowires are randomly dispersed on TEM grids. To identify fault orientations (transverse faults or axial faults) of those nanowires whose planar defects are not revealed by TEM, a new approach is developed based on the geometrical analysis between the projected preferred growth direction of a nanowire and specific diffraction spots from diffraction patterns recorded along the axial or short diagonal directions out of the (001) plane (off-zone condition). The approach greatly alleviates tedious TEM examination of the nanowire and helps to establish the reliable structure–property relations. Our study calls attention to researchers to be extremely careful when studying nanowires with potential planar defects by TEM. Understanding the true nature of planar defects is essential in tuning the properties of these nanostructures through manipulating their structures.
Impulsive fractional boundary-value problems with fractional integral jump conditions
Authors: Thaiprayoon Chatthai , Tariboon Jessada , Ntouyas Sotiris K
Published: January 2014

In this paper we establish the existence and uniqueness of solutions for impulsive fractional boundary-value problems with fractional integral jump conditions. By using a variety of fixed-point theorems, some new existence and uniqueness results are obtained. Illustrative examples of our results are also presented.

MSC:34A08, 34B37, 34B15, 34B10.
Hyperlactatemia in a group of HIV patients living in Yaounde-Cameroon
Authors: Mamiafo Corinne Tchoula , Moor Vicky Jocelyne Ama , Nansseu Jobert Richie N , Pieme Constant Anatole , Tayou Claude , Yonkeu Jeanne Ngogang
Published: January 2014

Background and aim

Prolonged exposure to highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) is associated with adverse effects such as hyperlactatemia. We determined the prevalence and risk factors for developing hyperlactatemia among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected cameroonians on antiretroviral therapy (ART).

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study from January to April 2012 involving 91 HIV-infected patients receiving ART for at least 12 months and 30 HIV-infected patients who have never received ART (ART-naïve patients). Plasma lactate levels were determined after at least 12 hours of overnight fasting and hyperlactatemia defined as lactate concentrations ≥ 3 mmol/L. The prevalence of hyperlactatemia was determined and the risk factors were analyzed by a multivariate logistic regression model.

Results

The mean lactataemia was significantly higher in the group of HIV patients currently taking ART than in the ART-naïve one (2.3 ± 1.3 and 1.7 ± 0.7 mmol/L respectively, p = 0.002). Patients on first line ART regimens had significantly higher lactatemia than those on second line regimens (2.5 ± 1.5 and 1.9 ± 0.7 mmol/L respectively, p = 0.014). The prevalence of hyperlactatemia in HIV patients receiving ART and in ART-naïve HIV patients was respectively 18.7 and 6.7% (p = 0.095). ART-exposure (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 5.44, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.06 – 27.84; p = 0.042) and being on a first line regimen (aOR 16.22, 95% CI 1.57 – 167.91; p = 0.019) were independent strong predictors of hyperlactatemia.

Conclusion

Hyperlactatemia was not rare in our study population. Being on a first line regimen constitutes an important risk factor for developing hyperlactatemia. Measurement of plasma lactate may be useful in optimizing the management of HIV-positive persons on ART.
Effects of the C57BL/6 strain background on tauopathy progression in the rTg4510 mouse model
Authors: Bailey Rachel M , Howard John , Knight Joshua , Sahara Naruhiko , Dickson Dennis W , Lewis Jada
Published: January 2014

Background

Cross-breeding of transgenic mice is commonly used to assess gene-gene interactions, particularly in the context of disease. Strain background changes can influence the phenotype of mouse models and can confound crossbreeding studies. We sought to determine if changing the strain background of a commonly used mouse model of tauopathy (rTg4510) would significantly impact the originally reported phenotype. On the original F1 FVB/N x 129S6 background, rTg4510 mice present with progressive cognitive decline, increased insoluble tau, robust tau pathology and age-dependent neurodegeneration. One of the most common strains in mouse modeling is C57BL/6. We and others have previously reported that this strain background alters the phenotypes of various models, including the JNPL3 model of tauopathy. To determine if the phenotype of rTg4510 mice was similarly affected by the introduction of the C57BL/6 background, we compared rTg4510 mice on the original F1 FVB/N x 129S6 background to rTg4510 mice on an F1 FVB/N x C57BL/6NTac (B6/NTac) background, herein termed rTg4510B6.

Results

Despite a small, but significant increase in soluble human tau levels, young rTg4510B6 mice had equivalent levels of tau phosphorylation, aggregation and cognitive impairments as age-matched rTg4510 mice. At 6.5 months of age, rTg4510B6 mice displayed hyperphosphorylated insoluble tau and robust cortical tau neuropathology that was equivalent to age-matched rTg4510 mice; however, 10.5-month-old rTg4510B6 mice had greater amounts of phospho-tau in the cortex and hippocampus when compared to age-matched rTg4510 mice. Non-transgenic (NT) littermates of rTg4510B6 (NTB6) mice also had greater amounts of cortical and hippocampal phospho-tau at 10.5 months of age when compared to NT littermates of rTg4510 mice. Additionally, older rTg4510B6 mice had gross forebrain neurodegeneration that was equivalent to age-matched rTg4510 mice.

Conclusions

Overall, our data shows that introduction of the C57BL/6 strain into the rTg4510 mouse background modestly alters the tau pathology that was originally reported in rTg4510 on the F1 FVB/129 background. In contrast, behavioral and neurodegenerative outcomes were not altered. These studies support the use of the rTg4510 mouse model on a partial C57BL/6 strain background without losing fidelity of the phenotype and suggest that the C57BL/6 background does not inherently protect against tauopathy.
Cloning and characterization of an Eimeria necatrix gene encoding a gametocyte protein and associated with oocyst wall formation
Authors: Liu Dandan , Cao Liqin , Zhu Yulan , Deng Changjing , Su Shijie , Xu Jinjun , Jin Wenjie , Li Jingui , Wu Lili , Tao Jianping
Published: January 2014

Background

Gametocyte proteins ofEimeria(E.) spp. are important components of the oocyst wall and some have been used to develop transmission-blocking vaccines against avian coccidiosis.

Methods

Total RNA isolated fromE. necatrixgametocytes was utilized as templates for RT-PCR amplification and sequencing of cDNA encoding a gametocyte protein using gene-specific primers. The cDNA was cloned into the bacterial expression vector pET28a(+) and expressed inE. coliBL21 cells. The antigenicity of the recombinant gametocyte protein and its localization in differentE. necatrixlife-cycle stages were determined by western blot and indirect immunofluorescence analyses, respectively.

Results

A 731-nucleotide sequence of cDNA [GenBank: KF649255] ofE. necatrixhad 97.7% identity to that of Etgam22ofE. tenella. The cDNA ORF encoded a 186-amino acid protein containing a histidine-proline-rich region. The recombinant gametocyte protein (rEnGAM22) was predominately expressed in the insoluble inclusion body and recognized by antiserum from chickens immunized with oocysts ofE. necatrix,E. maximaandE. tenella. A specific antibody to the rEnGAM22 protein recognized the wall-forming bodies in macrogametocytes and the walls of oocysts and sporocysts.

Conclusions

The gene cloned fromE. necatrixgametocytes is an ortholog to Etgam22ofE. tenellaand presents a potential target for future recombinant subunit vaccines against coccidiosis.
Correlation between clonorchiasis incidences and climatic factors in Guangzhou, China
Authors: Li Tiegang , Yang Zhicong , Wang Ming
Published: January 2014

Background

Human infection with Clonorchis sinensis is still a big public health problem in Guangzhou. To investigate the correlation between clonorchiasis and climatic factors, we analyzed the clonorchiasis reported cases and simultaneous meteorological data during 2006–2012 in Guangzhou City, China.

Findings

Annual incidence rate of clonorchiasis from 2006 to 2012 was 166.76, 191.55, 247.37, 213.82, 246.03, 274.71, and 239.63 (per 100 000), respectively. Each 1°C rise of temperature corresponded to an increase of 1.18% (95% CI 0.88% to 1.48%) in the monthly number of cases, and a one millimeter rise of rainfall corresponded to increase of 0.03% (95% CI 0.01% to 0.04%). Whereas each one percent rise of relative humidity corresponded to a decrease in the number of cases by 1.51% (95% CI -1.75% to -1.27%).

Conclusions

We reported incidence rates of clonorchiasis showed an increasing trend by years. Temperature and rainfall were positively associated with clonorchiasis incidence, while relative humidity was inversely associated with clonorchiasis incidence. Our study provided evidence that climatic factors affect the occurrence of clonorchiasis in Guangzhou city, China.
Intra-articular injection of collagenase in the knee of rats as an alternative model to study nociception associated with osteoarthritis
Authors: Adães Sara , Mendonça Marcelo , Santos Telmo N , Castro-Lopes José M , Ferreira-Gomes Joana , Neto Fani L
Published: January 2014

Introduction

Animal models currently used in osteoarthritis-associated pain research inadequately reproduce the initiating events and structural pathology of human osteoarthritis. Conversely, intra-articular injection of collagenase is a structurally relevant model, as it induces articular degeneration both by digesting collagen from cartilage and by causing articular instability, thereby reproducing some of the main events associated with osteoarthritis onset and development. Here, we evaluated if the intra-articular injection of collagenase can be an alternative model to study nociception associated with osteoarthritis.

Methods

Osteoarthritis was induced by two intra-articular injections of either 250 U or 500 U of collagenase into the left knee joint of adult male Wistar rats. A six weeks time-course assessment of movement- and loading-induced nociception was performed by the Knee-Bend and CatWalk tests. The effect of morphine, lidocaine and diclofenac on nociceptive behaviour was evaluated in animals injected with 500 U of collagenase. Joint histopathology was scored for both doses throughout time. The expression of transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) in ipsilateral dorsal root ganglia (DRG) was evaluated.

Results

An increase in nociceptive behaviour associated with movement and loading of affected joints was observed after intra-articular collagenase injection. With the 500 U dose of collagenase, there was a significant correlation between the behavioural and the histopathological osteoarthritis-like structural changes developed after six weeks. One week after injection of 500 U collagenase, swelling of the injected knee and inflammation of the synovial membrane were also observed, indicating the occurrence of an early inflammatory reaction. Behavioural changes induced by the 500 U dose of collagenase were overall effectively reversed by morphine and lidocaine. Diclofenac was effective one week after injection. TRPV1 expression increased six weeks after 500 U collagenase injection.

Conclusion

We conclude that the intra-articular injection of 500 U collagenase in the knee of rats can be an alternative model for the study of nociception associated with osteoarthritis, since it induces significant nociceptive alterations associated with relevant osteoarthritis-like joint structural changes.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa serotypes in nosocomial pneumonia: prevalence and clinical outcomes
Authors: Lu Qin , Eggimann Philippe , Luyt Charles-Edouard , Wolff Michel , Tamm Michael , François Bruno , Mercier Emmanuelle , Garbino Jorge , Laterre Pierre-François , Koch Holger , Gafner Verena , Rudolf Michael P , Mus Erkan , Perez Antonio , Lazar Hedvika , Chastre Jean , Rouby Jean-Jacques
Published: January 2014

Introduction

Pseudomonas aeruginosa frequently causes nosocomial pneumonia and is associated with poor outcome. The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence and clinical outcome of nosocomial pneumonia caused by serotype-specific P. aeruginosa in critically ill patients under appropriate antimicrobial therapy management.

Methods

A retrospective, non-interventional epidemiological multicenter cohort study involving 143 patients with confirmed nosocomial pneumonia caused by P. aeruginosa. Patients were analyzed for a period of 30 days from time of nosocomial pneumonia onset. Fourteen patients fulfilling the same criteria from a phase IIa studyconducted at the same time/centers were included in the prevalence calculations but not in the clinical outcome analysis.

Results

The prevalence of serotypes was: O6 (29%), O11 (23%), O10 (10%), O2 (9%), and O1 (8%). Serotypes with a prevalence of less than 5% were found in 13% of patients, 8% were classified as not typeable. Across all serotypes, 19% mortality, 70% clinical resolution, 11% clinical continuation, and 5% clinical recurrence were recorded. Age and higher APACHE II (Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II) were predictive risk factors associated with probability of death and lower clinical resolution for P. aeruginosa nosocomial pneumonia. Mortality tends to be higher with O1 (40%) and lower with O2 (0%); clinical resolution tends to be better with O2 (82%) compared to other serotypes. Persisting pneumonia with O6 and O11 was, respectively, 8% and 21%; clinical resolution with O6 and O11 was, respectively, 75% and 57%.

Conclusions

In P. aeruginosa nosocomial pneumonia, the most prevalent serotypes were O6 and O11. Further studies including larger group sizes are needed to correlate clinical outcome with virulence factors of P. aeruginosa in patients with nosocomial pneumonia caused by various serotypes; and to compare O6 and O11, the two serotypes most frequently encountered in critically ill patients.
Selective Androgen Receptor Modulator RAD140 Is Neuroprotective in Cultured Neurons and Kainate-Lesioned Male Rats
Authors: Jayaraman Anusha , Christensen Amy , Moser V. Alexandra , Vest Rebekah S. , Miller Chris P. , Hattersley Gary , Pike Christian J.
Published: January 2014

The decline in testosterone levels in men during normal aging increases risks of dysfunction and disease in androgen-responsive tissues, including brain. The use of testosterone therapy has the potential to increase the risks for developing prostate cancer and or accelerating its progression. To overcome this limitation, novel compounds termed “selective androgen receptor modulators” (SARMs) have been developed that lack significant androgen action in prostate but exert agonist effects in select androgen-responsive tissues. The efficacy of SARMs in brain is largely unknown. In this study, we investigate the SARM RAD140 in cultured rat neurons and male rat brain for its ability to provide neuroprotection, an important neural action of endogenous androgens that is relevant to neural health and resilience to neurodegenerative diseases. In cultured hippocampal neurons, RAD140 was as effective as testosterone in reducing cell death induced by apoptotic insults. Mechanistically, RAD140 neuroprotection was dependent upon MAPK signaling, as evidenced by elevation of ERK phosphorylation and inhibition of protection by the MAPK kinase inhibitor U0126. Importantly, RAD140 was also neuroprotective in vivo using the rat kainate lesion model. In experiments with gonadectomized, adult male rats, RAD140 was shown to exhibit peripheral tissue-specific androgen action that largely spared prostate, neural efficacy as demonstrated by activation of androgenic gene regulation effects, and neuroprotection of hippocampal neurons against cell death caused by systemic administration of the excitotoxin kainate. These novel findings demonstrate initial preclinical efficacy of a SARM in neuroprotective actions relevant to Alzheimer's disease and related neurodegenerative diseases.
Characterization and regulation of an additional actin filament-binding site in large isoforms of the stereocilia actin-bundling protein espin
Authors: Zheng Lili , Beeler Dina M. , Bartles James R.
Published: January 2014

The espin actin-bundling proteins, which are produced in different sized isoforms from a single gene, are required for the growth of hair cell stereocilia. We have characterized an additional actin filament-binding site present in the extended amino termini of large espin isoforms. Constitutively active in espin 2, the site increased the size of actin bundles formed in vitro and inhibited actin fluorescence recovery in microvilli. In espin 1, which has an amino-terminal ankyrin repeat domain, the site was autoinhibited by binding between the ankyrin repeat domain and a peptide near the actin-binding site. Deletion of this peptide from espin 1 activated its actin-binding site. The peptide resembled tail homology domain I of myosin III, a ligand of the ankyrin repeat domain localized with espin 1 at the tip of stereocilia. A myosin III tail homology domain I peptide, but not scrambled control peptides, inhibited internal binding of the ankyrin repeat domain and released the espin 1 actin-binding site from autoinhibition. This regulation could result in local activation of the additional actin-binding site of espin 1 by myosin III in stereocilia.