bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Imaging the intratumoral–peritumoral extracellular pH gradient of gliomas
Authors: Coman Daniel , Huang Yuegao , Rao Jyotsna U. , De Feyter Henk M. , Rothman Douglas L. , Juchem Christoph , Hyder Fahmeed
Published: January 2016

Solid tumors have an acidic extracellular pH (pHe) but near neutral intracellular pH (pHi). Because acidic pHe milieu is conducive to tumor growth and builds resistance to therapy, simultaneous mapping of pHe inside and outside the tumor (i.e., intratumoral‐peritumoral pHe gradient) fulfills an important need in cancer imaging. We used Biosensor Imaging of Redundant Deviation in Shifts (BIRDS), which utilizes shifts of non‐exchangeable protons from macrocyclic chelates (e.g., 1,4,7,10‐tetraazacyclododecane‐1,4,7,10‐tetrakis(methylene phosphonate) or DOTP8−) complexed with paramagnetic thulium (Tm3+) ion, to generate in vivo pHe maps in rat brains bearing 9L and RG2 tumors. Upon TmDOTP5− infusion, MRI identified the tumor boundary by enhanced water transverse relaxation and BIRDS allowed imaging of intratumoral‐peritumoral pHe gradients. The pHe measured by BIRDS was compared with pHi measured with 31P‐MRS. In normal tissue, pHe was similar to pHi, but inside the tumor pHe was lower than pHi. While the intratumoral pHe was acidic for both tumor types, peritumoral pHe varied with tumor type. The intratumoral–peritumoral pHe gradient was much larger for 9L than RG2 tumors because in RG2 tumors acidic pHe was found in distal peritumoral regions. The increased presence of Ki‐67 positive cells beyond the RG2 tumor border suggested that RG2 was more invasive than the 9L tumor. These results indicate that extensive acidic pHe beyond the tumor boundary correlates with tumor cell invasion. In summary, BIRDS has sensitivity to map the in vivo intratumoral–peritumoral pHe gradient, thereby creating preclinical applications in monitoring cancer therapeutic responses (e.g., with pHe‐altering drugs). Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Undersampled linogram trajectory for fast imaging (ULTI): experiments at 3 T and 7 T
Authors: Ersoz Ali , Tugan Muftuler L.
Published: January 2016

In this study, the performance of linogram acquisition was investigated for the reconstruction of images from undersampled data using parallel imaging methods. The point spread function (PSF) of linogram sampling was analyzed for image sharpness and artifacts. Generalized auto‐calibrating partially parallel acquisition was implemented for this new sampling scheme, and images were reconstructed with high acceleration rates. The results were compared with conventional radial sampling methods using simulations and phantom experiments at 3 T. Additionally, a human volunteer was scanned at 7 T. The results demonstrated that the PSF was sharper and the mean artifact power was lower for linogram sampling compared with radial sampling. Results of simulations and phantom experiments were in accord with the findings of the PSF analysis. In simulations, errors in the reconstructed images were lower for linogram sampling. In phantom experiments, fine details and sharp edges were preserved for linogram sampling, while details were blurred for radial sampling. The in vivo human study demonstrated that linogram sampling could provide high quality images of anatomy, even at high acceleration rates. Linogram sampling not only possesses the advantages of radial sampling, such as reduced sensitivity to motion and higher acceleration rates, but it also provides sharper images with fewer artifacts. Moreover, it is less prone to off‐resonance artifacts compared with radial sampling. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Upper Echelons and Executive Profiles in the Construction Value Chain: Evidence from Italy
Authors: Abatecola Gianpaolo , Cristofaro Matteo
Published: January 2016

Which executive profiles currently govern the construction value chain? Addressing this lively research question is the key point of our article and it appears central to scholars, practitioners, and policymakers interested in project management in general, and construction and real estate in particular. For this reason, we draw from Upper Echelons Theory in studying the executive profiles of 109 important firms currently active in Italy. Our statistical analysis shows that, although homogeneity substantially regards the executive's gender, age, and level of education, heterogeneity is associated more with his or her functional background. We thus prospect some conceptual and methodological avenues for further analyses in this challenging area of research.
Siglec‐1 and ‐2 as potential biomarkers in autoimmune disease
Authors: Eakin Amanda J. , Bustard Michael J. , McGeough Cathy M. , Ahmed Tahanver , Bjourson Anthony J. , Gibson David S.
Published: January 2016

Autoimmune diseases (ADs) are currently treated with anti‐inflammatory and immunosuppressive drugs, aimed at reducing symptoms of disease in order to improve quality of life for patients. However, for a significant number of patients these therapies are ineffective, leading to an increased risk of irreversible damage and eventual disability in certain cases. Growing evidence has implicated glycosylated proteins and their cognate receptors in modulation of the autoimmune response. This review will summarize these findings with particular focus on sialic acid‐binding immunoglobulin‐like lectin (Siglec)‐1 and Siglec‐2 involvement in AD. Fluctuations in these glycosylation‐dependent pathways could act as sentinels of disease activity or drug responses. If validated, protein modification and cellular response markers could help clinicians achieve remission earlier.
Effective lipid‐detergent system for study of membrane active peptides in fluid liposomes
Authors: Sychev Sergei V. , Sukhanov Stanislav V. , Telezhinskaya Irina N. , Ovchinnikova Tatiana V.
Published: January 2016

The structure of peptide antibiotic gramicidin A (gA) was studied in phosphatidylcholin liposomes modified by nonionic detergent Triton X‐100. First, the detergent : lipid ratio at which the saturation of lipid membrane by Triton X‐100 occurs (Resat), was determined by light scattering. Measurements of steady‐state fluorescence anisotropy of 1,6‐diphenyl‐1,3,5‐hexatriene at sublytic concentrations of detergent showed that after saturation of the membrane by Triton X‐100 microviscosity of lipid bilayer is reduced by 20%. The equilibrium conformational state of gA in phosphatidylcholine liposomes at Resat was studied by CD spectroscopy. It was found that the conformational state of this channel‐forming peptide changed crucially when Triton X‐100 induced transition to more fluid membranes. The gA single‐channel measurements were made with Triton X‐100 containing bilayers. Tentative assignment of the channel type and gA structures was made by correlation of CD data with conductance histograms. Lipid‐detergent system with variable viscosity developed in this work can be used to study the structure and folding of other membrane‐active peptides. Copyright © 2016 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A facile non‐vacuum‐based Cu2ZnSnSe4 superstrate solar cell with 2.44% device efficiency
Authors: Zhang Yongzheng , Sun Yuxiu , Wang Hao , Yan Hui
Published: January 2016

Cu2ZnSnSe4 (CZTSe) solar cell with a facile superstrate structure of carbon/CZTSe/CdS/ITO was fabricated entirely by non‐vacuum processes. The influence of selenization temperature on the composition of CZTSe layer was briefly investigated. Compared with current superstrate‐type CZTS(e) solar cells, the present CZTSe superstrate solar cell exhibited a higher power conversion efficiency of 2.44%.
Effect of different parameters of Er:YAG laser irradiations on class V composite restorations: A scanning electron microscopy study
Authors: Ozel Emre , Tuna Elif Bahar , Firatli Sonmez , Firatli Erhan
Published: January 2016

The purpose of this study was to compare different parameters of Er:YAG laser irradiations on the marginal microleakage of Class V resin composite restorations. A total of 45 extracted premolars were selected for the study. Class V cavities prepared on both buccal and lingual surfaces of teeth by Er:YAG laser or bur and divided into nine groups. The occlusal margins were in enamel and the cervical margins were in cementum. Group‐1: bur preparation; Group‐2: laser preparation (lp) (600 mJ/5 Hz); Group‐3: lp (300 mJ/10 Hz); Group‐4: lp (200 mJ/15 Hz); Group‐5: lp (150 mJ/20 Hz); Group‐6: lp (200 mJ/20 Hz); Group‐7: lp (300 mJ/14 Hz); Group‐8: lp (400 mJ/10 Hz); Group‐9: lp (700 mJ/5 Hz). All teeth were stored in distilled water at 37°C for 24 h, then thermocycled 1,000 times (5–55°C). Five teeth from each group were chosen for the microleakage investigation and two teeth for the scanning electron microscope (SEM) evaluation. Teeth, which were prepared for the microleakage test were immersed in 0.5% methylene blue dye for 24 h. After immersing, the teeth were sectioned and observed under a stereomicroscope for dye penetration. Data were analyzed by Kruskal–Wallis and Mann–Whitney U tests (p < 0.05). More microleakage was observed in cervical regions compared to occlusal regions in all groups (p < 0.05) except for Group 6 (p > 0.05). No significant difference was observed among groups in terms of occlusal and cervical surfaces, separately (p > 0.05). It may be concluded that the cavities prepared by Er:YAG laser showed higher degree of microleakage than bur prepared at cervical regions. Different parameters of Er:YAG laser irradiations affected microleakage. SCANNING 38:434–441, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effect of the different finishing and polishing procedures on the surface roughness of three different posterior composite resins
Authors: Sahbaz Cafer , Bahsi Emrullah , Ince Bayram , Bakir Elif Pınar , Cellik Omer
Published: January 2016

Finishing and polishing techniques have great importance on the long term success and aesthetics of the composite restorations. In this study it was aimed to examine the effect of three different posterior composites on surface texture with various finishing and polishing procedures. Three different posterior composites, Filtek P60, Clearfil Majesty Posterior and Cavex Quadent Posterior Dense, and three different finishing and polishing procedures diamond finishing burs, tungsten carbide burs and Sof‐Lex discs were used in the study. The specimens were 5 mm in diameter and 2 mm in height. The surface roughness was measured at three seperate points with a profilometer device and the Ra values were recorded. A one‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Kruskal–Wallis variance analysis was applied for statistical analysis and p < 0.05 was accepted significant. No statistically significant differences were found between the composite resins with respect to surface roughness (p > 0.05). A statistically significant difference was found between the groups of diamond, carbide, and Sof‐Lex groups (p < 0.05). Sof‐Lex polishing system was more successful than the diamond and carbide burs in the finishing and polishing procedures of composites. SCANNING 38:448–454, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Online anomaly detection for multi‐source VMware using a distributed streaming framework
Authors: Solaimani Mohiuddin , Iftekhar Mohammed , Khan Latifur , Thuraisingham Bhavani , Ingram Joe , Seker Sadi Evren
Published: January 2016

Anomaly detection refers to the identification of patterns in a dataset that do not conform to expected patterns. Such non‐conformant patterns typically correspond to samples of interest and are assigned to different labels in different domains, such as outliers, anomalies, exceptions, and malware. A daunting challenge is to detect anomalies in rapid voluminous streams of data.

This paper presents a novel, generic real‐time distributed anomaly detection framework for multi‐source stream data. As a case study, we investigate anomaly detection for a multi‐source VMware‐based cloud data center, which maintains a large number of virtual machines (VMs). This framework continuously monitors VMware performance stream data related to CPU statistics (e.g., load and usage). It collects data simultaneously from all of the VMs connected to the network and notifies the resource manager to reschedule its CPU resources dynamically when it identifies any abnormal behavior from its collected data. A semi‐supervised clustering technique is used to build a model from benign training data only. During testing, if a data instance deviates significantly from the model, then it is flagged as an anomaly.

Effective anomaly detection in this case demands a distributed framework with high throughput and low latency. Distributed streaming frameworks like Apache Storm, Apache Spark, S4, and others are designed for a lower data processing time and a higher throughput than standard centralized frameworks. We have experimentally compared the average processing latency of a tuple during clustering and prediction in both Spark and Storm and demonstrated that Spark processes a tuple much quicker than storm on average. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Post‐Hospital Discharge Venous Thromboembolism in Colorectal Surgery
Authors: Moghadamyeghaneh Zhobin , Alizadeh Reza Fazl , Hanna Mark H. , Hwang Grace , Carmichael Joseph C. , Mills Steven , Pigazzi Alessio , Stamos Michael J.
Published: January 2016

Background

There are limited data regarding the criteria for prophylactic treatment of venous thromboembolism (VTE) after hospital discharge. We sought to identify risk factors of post‐hospital discharge VTE events following colorectal surgery.

Methods

The NSQIP database was utilized to examine patients developed VTE after hospital discharge following colorectal surgery during 2005–2013. Multivariate analysis using logistic regression was performed to quantify risk factors of VTE after discharge.

Results

We evaluated a total of 219,477 patients underwent colorectal resections. The overall incidence of VTE was 2.1 % (4556). 33.8 % (1541) of all VTE events occurred after hospital discharge. The length of postoperative hospitalization had a strong association with post‐discharge VTE, with the highest risk in patients who were hospitalized for more than 1 week after operation (AOR 9.08, P < 0.01). Other factors associated with post‐discharge VTE included chronic steroid use (AOR 1.81, P < 0.01), stage 4 colorectal cancer (AOR 1.40, P = 0.03), obesity (AOR 1.37, P < 0.01), age >70 (AOR 1.21, P = 0.04), and open surgery (AOR 1.36, P < 0.01). Patients who were hospitalized for more than 1 week after an open colorectal resections had a 12 times higher risk of post‐discharge VTE event compared to patients hospitalized less than 4 days after a laparoscopic resection (AOR 12.34, P < 0.01).

Conclusions

VTE is uncommon following colorectal resections; however, a significant proportion occurs after patients are discharged from the hospital (33.8 %). The length of postoperative hospitalization appears to have a strong association with post‐discharge VTE. High‐risk patients may benefit from continued VTE prophylaxis after discharge.
In‐Hospital Mortality in a 4‐Year Cohort Study of 3,093,254 Operations in Seniors
Authors: Puzianowska‐Kuznicka Monika , Walicka Magdalena , Osinska Boguslawa , Rutkowski Daniel , Gozdowski Dariusz , Czech Marcin , Durlik Marek , Franek Edward
Published: January 2016

Background

Surgery‐related mortality depends on a number of factors including the type of surgical procedure, quality of healthcare, co‐morbidities, and age of patient. The objective of the study was to assess the in‐hospital mortality in the elderly undergoing surgical treatment.

Methods

This was a national data‐based retrospective cohort study. Data were extracted from the National Health Fund, a public organization financing medical procedures in Poland. Adult citizens who underwent 9,344,384 surgical interventions (including 3,093,254 cases in seniors who were above 65 years old) between 2009 and 2012 were included in this study. Overall, surgery type‐dependent, age‐stratified in‐hospital mortality related to surgery was assessed.

Results

Overall in‐hospital surgery‐related mortality rate in seniors was stable (approximately 2 % annually, P for trend = 0.104). It doubled with each successive decade of life (1.2, 2.3, 5.6, and 13 % in 65–74, 75–84, 85–94 and ≥95 years old groups, respectively, in 2012). In ≥75‐year‐old mortality exceeded 10 % only after neurological surgeries, in ≥85‐year‐old after neurological, vascular, gastrointestinal, and endocrinological surgeries, and in ≥95‐year‐old also after heart and circulation, bones and muscles, liver, pancreas, and spleen operations. However, even in the oldest individuals it was low after genitourinary, female genital tract, head and neck, and eye surgeries.

Conclusions

The overall rate of in‐hospital mortality after surgery, although increasing with age, is rather low up to the ninth decade of life. Whereas some surgeries pose a significant risk, others may be relatively safe even in the oldest subjects.
Low-energy Shock Wave Therapy Ameliorates Erectile Dysfunction in a Pelvic Neurovascular Injuries Rat Model
Authors: Li Huixi , Matheu Melanie P. , Sun Fionna , Wang Lin , Sanford Melissa T. , Ning Hongxiu , Banie Lia , Lee Yung-chin , Xin Zhongcheng , Guo Yinglu , Lin Guiting , Lue Tom F.
Published: January 2016

Introduction

Erectile dysfunction (ED) caused by pelvic injuries is a common complication of civil and battlefield trauma with multiple neurovascular factors involved, and no effective therapeutic approach is available.

Aims

To test the effect and mechanisms of low-energy shock wave (LESW) therapy in a rat ED model induced by pelvic neurovascular injuries.

Methods

Thirty-two male Sprague-Dawley rats injected with 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine (EdU) at newborn were divided into 4 groups: sham surgery (Sham), pelvic neurovascular injury by bilateral cavernous nerve injury and internal pudendal bundle injury (PVNI), PVNI treated with LESW at low energy (Low), and PVNI treated with LESW at high energy (High). After LESW treatment, rats underwent erectile function measurement and the tissues were harvested for histologic and molecular study. To examine the effect of LESW on Schwann cells, in vitro studies were conducted.

Main Outcome Measurements

The intracavernous pressure (ICP) measurement, histological examination, and Western blot (WB) were conducted. Cell cycle, Schwann cell activation-related markers were examined in in vitro experiments.

Results

LESW treatment improves erectile function in a rat model of pelvic neurovascular injury by leading to angiogenesis, tissue restoration, and nerve generation with more endogenous EdU+ progenitor cells recruited to the damaged area and activation of Schwann cells. LESW facilitates more complete re-innervation of penile tissue with regeneration of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS)-positive nerves from the MPG to the penis. In vitro experiments demonstrated that LESW has a direct effect on Schwann cell proliferation. Schwann cell activation-related markers including p-Erk1/2 and p75 were upregulated after LESW treatment.

Conclusion

LESW-induced endogenous progenitor cell recruitment and Schwann cell activation coincides with angiogenesis, tissue, and nerve generation in a rat model of pelvic neurovascular injuries.
Dual Strategy with Oral Phosphodiesterase Type 5 Inhibition and Intracavernosal Implantation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells Is Superior to Individual Approaches in the Recovery of Erectile and Cavernosal Functions After Cavernous Nerve Injury in Rats
Authors: Martínez-Salamanca Juan I. , Zurita Mercedes , Costa Carla , Martínez-Salamanca Eduardo , Fernández Argentina , Castela Angela , Vaquero Jesús , Carballido Joaquín , Angulo Javier
Published: January 2016

Introduction

Novel effective therapeutic strategies are necessary for treating erectile dysfunction secondary to cavernous nerve injury (CNI).

Aim

To functionally evaluate the benefits of long-term oral treatment with a phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor on the potential capacity of intracavernosal cell therapy to recover erectile function after CNI.

Methods

Bilateral crush CNI (BCNI) was produced in anesthetized male rats. After BCNI, rats were treated with the phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor tadalafil (TAD; 5 mg/kg/d orally; BCNI + TAD), a single intracavernosal injection of bone marrow–derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs; BCNI + BMSC), or dual therapy (BCNI + BMSC + TAD). Ex vivo function of the corpus cavernosum (CC) and in vivo intracavernosal pressure responses to CN electrical stimulation were evaluated 4 weeks after BCNI. Trichrome staining and terminal 2′-deoxyuridine-5′-triphosphate nick-end labeling assay were used for fibrosis and apoptosis determination, respectively, in the CC.

Main Outcome Measures

In vivo erectile responses in anesthetized rats, ex vivo evaluation of endothelium-dependent relaxation, neurogenic relaxation and neurogenic contraction in CC strips, and histologic evaluation of fibrosis and apoptosis in cavernosal tissue.

Results

BCNI resulted in a marked decrease of erectile responses that were partly recovered in the BCNI + TAD and BCNI + BMSC groups. Complete recovery of erectile function was achieved only in the BCNI + BMSC + TAD group. Endothelium-dependent and nitric oxide donor-induced relaxations of the CC were not altered by BCNI or the treatments. BCNI resulted in enhanced neurogenic adrenergic contractions and impaired nitrergic relaxations of the CC. The BCNI + TAD group displayed diminished neurogenic contractions, whereas the BCNI + TAD and BCNI + BMSC groups showed partly recovered nitrergic responses. In the BCNI + BMSC + TAD group, neurogenic contractions were decreased and nitrergic relaxations were normalized. Cavernosal apoptosis and fibrosis were similarly prevented in the BCNI + TAD, BCNI + BMSC, and BCNI + BMSC + TAD groups.

Conclusion

A dual strategy combining the intracavernosal injection of BMSCs and oral administration of TAD was superior to individual approaches in normalizing neurogenic control of cavernosal tone and preserving erectile function after CNI, suggesting the potential of this dual strategy in the future management of erectile dysfunction after radical prostatectomy.
10 Years' Plaque Incision and Vein Grafting for Peyronie's Disease: Does Time Matter?
Authors: Wimpissinger Florian , Parnham Arie , Gutjahr Georg , Maksys Sandra , Baierlein Martin , Stackl Walter
Published: January 2016

Introduction

Surgical correction is advocated in patients with stable Peyronie's disease (PD) and severe curvature of the penis. Contemporary series demonstrate favorable outcomes based on relatively short follow-up periods. However, long-term follow-up is rarely reported and there is a paucity of evidence on the influence of patients' age, comorbidities, and natural history on surgical outcomes.

Aims

The present study aims to examine the influence of patient's age, comorbidities, severity of the disease, and natural history of PD on long-term outcomes and satisfaction following plaque incision and vein grafting for PD.

Methods

Patients with follow-up of more than 10 years who underwent plaque incision and grafting (Lue technique) for stable PD were included in the study.

Main Outcome Measures

A combination of prospective and retrospective analysis of patients’ histories, anatomical, functional, and surgical parameters, development of PD recurrences, improvements of sexual functions, and overall satisfaction were performed between 1992 and 2014. Multiple logistic regression models were applied to calculate adjusted odds ratios for predictors for development of erectile dysfunction (ED) and PD recurrence.

Results

Thirty patients with a median age of 57.5 years were eligible for inclusion in the study with a mean follow-up of 13.0 years (range 10.0–17.6). Angle of preoperative penile deviation was 40° to 110° (median 90°). On follow-up, 26 men (86.7%) had a straight erect penis. Eleven men (36.7%) developed ED, of whom 2 (6.7%) had other comorbidities contributing to their ED. Twenty-five men (83.3%) were still sexually active with or without medication. The mean percentage improvement in sexual function was 69.0%, with 17 men (56.7%) reporting 100% improvement and 7 (23.3%) reporting no improvement. Perceived penile shortening occurred in 13 patients (43.3%) and 6 patients (20.0%) experienced penile hyposensitivity. PD/plaque recurrence was found in 7 men (23.3%). The mean overall satisfaction with the procedure was 73.0%, with 18 men (60.0%) still 100% satisfied and 6 (20.0%) reporting satisfaction below 50%.

Conclusion

Improvement of sexual function and overall satisfaction remain high at 10 years follow-up and make the technique a safe and effective form of treatment in carefully selected patients.
Safety and efficacy of panretinal photocoagulation in patients with high‐risk proliferative diabetic retinopathy using pattern scan laser versus conventional YAG laser
Authors: Seymenoğlu Recep Göktuğ , Ulusoy Mahmut Oğuz , Başer Esin Fatma
Published: January 2016

The purpose of the study was to compare the results of panretinal photocoagulation (PRP) using the pattern scan laser (PASCAL) in a single setting versus multiple sessions of standard YAG laser in patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Charts of 35 eyes that were treated with the PASCAL and an equal number of eyes that were treated with conventional laser were retrospectively reviewed. The whole PRP treatment was performed in one session in the PASCAL group, whereas all the patients in the conventional‐laser group completed the entire PRP treatment in two or three sessions. Persistence and/or recurrence of neovascularization, complications encountered, total number of laser spots, and mean power used were compared. Patients treated with the PASCAL received significantly higher number of laser spots than those treated with conventional laser (2885 vs. 1642, p < 0.001). The PASCAL and conventional‐laser systems required an average power of 650 mW and 330 mW, respectively (p < 0.001). Patients treated with the PASCAL showed similar rates of treatment failure within 12 months of follow‐up compared with patients treated with conventional laser (14% vs. 11%, p > 0.05). In the PASCAL group, vitreous hemorrhage, neovascular glaucoma, retinal hemorrhage, and choroidal detachment were reported in two, two, one, and two patients, respectively, whereas only one each vitreous hemorrhage and neovascular glaucoma were encountered in the conventional‐laser group. Our study reports that single‐session PRP with the PASCAL has similar efficacy compared with conventional laser, and has a favorable side‐effect profile.
Putin’s macho personality cult
Authors: Sperling Valerie
Published: January 2016

Masculinity has long been Russian President Vladimir Putin’s calling card. At the center of Putin’s macho aura is his image as a tough leader who will not allow Western countries to weaken Russia or dictate what Russia’s domestic and foreign policies should look like. This article draws attention to the role of masculinity in the Putin regime’s legitimation strategy, and how it became more obvious during the escalation of the conflict in Ukraine in 2014 and the Russian annexation of Crimea. To the extent that there is a “personality cult” in contemporary Russia, the personality at the center of it is defined in highly gendered terms, shaping the tenor of both domestic and foreign policy.
Patient reported outcome measures of pain intensity: Do they tell us what we need to know?
Authors: Dorfman David , George Mary Catherine , Robinson-Papp Jessica , Rahman Tanni , Tamler Ronald , Simpson David M.
Published: January 2016

Objective

To determine the relationship between chronic pain patients’ responses to self-report measures of pain intensity, and self-reported strategies when completing such measures.

Participants

Ambulatory outpatients suffering from one of the following chronic pain conditions: painful HIV neuropathy, painful diabetic neuropathy, chronic Low-Back Pain.

Method

As part of a previously reported study using qualitative methods, participants completed standard pain intensity questionnaires as well as a measure of pain related disturbances in activities of daily living. In the previous study, participants’ responses during a focus group were then used to identify their strategies and beliefs about their approach to completing the questionnaires. Among the beliefs were: (1) difficulties averaging pain over different time periods (i.e., “what was your average pain during the last 24h” versus “what was your average pain during the last 2 weeks”); (2) difficulty in comparing pain from different etiologies; (3) difficulties in reporting sensations of pain in a manner unaffected by issues and situations secondary to the pain experience, such as difficulties in activities of daily living. In the present paper we use ANOVA (analysis of variance) and partial correlation to determine whether the qualitatively derived perceptions are reflected in the quantitative pain intensity scores.

Results

Participants’ belief that it was difficult to “average” pain intensity over different time periods was supported. The data do not support their belief that pain intensity scores are affected by other factors: their specific pain diagnosis, and the extent to which pain interfered with their activities of daily living.

Conclusions

(1) Patients tend to report different levels of pain intensity when asked to report their pain over different periods; (2) insofar as it can be said to exist, the relationship between measures of intensity and interference with activities of daily living is minimal; (3) participants tend to report similar levels of pain intensity, irrespective of etiology.

Implications

(1) Chronic pain patients’ elicited beliefs and strategies concerning how they complete pain intensity questionnaires are sometimes, but not invariably, reflected in their responses to these measures. Thus, purely qualitative methodologies alone cannot provide completely reliable information and point to the need to use a “mixed methods” approach combining both qualitative and quantitative data; (2) the lack of association between pain intensity measures and interference with activities of daily living, as well as relative insensitivity to different etiologies underlines the problem in relying on pain intensity measures as the primary means of evaluating the success of a treatment, either for pain management or in clinical research.
Influence of hydrodynamic energy on Holocene reef flat accretion, Great Barrier Reef
Authors: Dechnik Belinda , Webster Jody M. , Nothdurft Luke , Webb Gregory E. , Zhao Jian-xin , Duce Stephanie , Braga Juan C. , Harris Daniel L. , Vila-Concejo Ana , Puotinen Marji
Published: January 2016

The response of platform reefs to sea-level stabilization over the past 6 ka is well established for the Great Barrier Reef (GBR), with reefs typically accreting laterally from windward to leeward. However, these observations are based on few cores spread across reef zones and may not accurately reflect a reef's true accretional response to the Holocene stillstand. We present a new record of reef accretion based on 49 U/Th ages from Heron and One Tree reefs in conjunction with re-analyzed data from 14 reefs across the GBR. We demonstrate that hydrodynamic energy is the main driver of accretional direction; exposed reefs accreted primarily lagoon-ward while protected reefs accreted seawards, contrary to the traditional growth model in the GBR. Lateral accretion rates varied from 86.3 m/ka–42.4 m/ka on the exposed One Tree windward reef and 68.35 m/ka–15.7 m/ka on the protected leeward Heron reef, suggesting that wind/wave energy is not a dominant control on lateral accretion rates. This represents the most comprehensive statement of lateral accretion direction and rates from the mid-outer platform reefs of the GBR, confirming great variability in reef flat growth both within and between reef margins over the last 6 ka, and highlighting the need for closely-spaced transects.
Antimicrobial Stewardship in a Long-Term Acute Care Hospital Using Offsite Electronic Medical Record Audit
Authors: Beaulac Kirthana , Corcione Silvia , Epstein Lauren , Davidson Lisa E. , Doron Shira
Published: January 2016

OBJECTIVE

To offer antimicrobial stewardship to a long-term acute care hospital using telemedicine.

METHODS

We conducted an uninterrupted time-series analysis to measure the impact of antimicrobial stewardship on hospital-acquired Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) rates and antimicrobial use. Simple linear regression was used to analyze changes in antimicrobial use; Poisson regression was used to estimate the incidence rate ratio in CDI rates. The preimplementation period was April 1, 2010–March 31, 2011; the postimplementation period was April 1, 2011–March 31, 2014.

RESULTS

During the preimplementation period, total antimicrobial usage was 266 defined daily doses (DDD)/1,000 patient-days (PD); it rose 4.54 (95% CI, −0.19 to 9.28) per month then significantly decreased from preimplementation to postimplementation (−6.58 DDD/1,000 PD [95% CI, −11.48 to −1.67]; P=.01). The same trend was observed for antibiotics against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (−2.97 DDD/1,000 PD per month [95% CI, −5.65 to −0.30]; P=.03). There was a decrease in usage of anti-CDI antibiotics by 50.4 DDD/1,000 PD per month (95% CI, −71.4 to −29.2; P<.001) at program implementation that was maintained afterwards. Anti-Pseudomonas antibiotics increased after implementation (30.6 DDD/1,000 PD per month [95% CI, 4.9–56.3]; P=.02) but with ongoing education this trend reversed. Intervention was associated with a decrease in hospital-acquired CDI (incidence rate ratio, 0.57 [95% CI, 0.35–0.92]; P=.02).

CONCLUSION

Antimicrobial stewardship using an electronic medical record via remote access led to a significant decrease in antibacterial usage and a decrease in CDI rates.

Infect. Control Hosp. Epidemiol. 2016;37(4):433–439
Electrohydrodynamic rotation of drops at large electric Reynolds numbers
Authors: Yariv Ehud , Frankel Itzchak
Published: January 2016

When subject to sufficiently strong electric fields, particles and drops suspended in a weakly conducting liquid exhibit spontaneous rotary motion. This so-called Quincke rotation is a fascinating example of nonlinear symmetry-breaking phenomena. To illuminate the rotation of liquid drops we here analyse the asymptotic limit of large electric Reynolds numbers, $\mathit{Re}\gg 1$, within the framework of a two-dimensional Taylor–Melcher electrohydrodynamic model. A non-trivial dominant balance in this singular limit results in both the fluid velocity and surface-charge density scaling as $\mathit{Re}^{-1/2}$. The flow is governed by a self-contained nonlinear boundary-value problem that does not admit a continuous fore–aft symmetric solution, thus necessitating drop rotation. Furthermore, thermodynamic arguments reveal that a fore–aft asymmetric solution exists only when charge relaxation within the suspending liquid is faster than that in the drop. The flow problem possesses both mirror-image (with respect to the direction of the external field) and flow-reversal symmetries; it is transformed into a universal one, independent of the ratios of electric conductivities and dielectric permittivities in the respective drop phase and suspending liquid phase. The rescaled angular velocity is found to depend weakly upon the viscosity ratio. The corresponding numerical solutions of the exact equations indeed collapse at large $\mathit{Re}$ upon the asymptotically calculated universal solution.
CHRISTIANITY AND HUMAN RIGHTS: PAST CONTRIBUTIONS AND FUTURE CHALLENGES
Authors: Witte John , Latterell Justin J.
Published: January 2016

This article analyzes the historical sources and forms of human rights in Western legal and Christian traditions, and it identifies key questions about the intersections of Christianity and human rights in modern contexts. The authors identify nine distinctions between different conceptions of rights correlating with at least four types of jural relationships, and they argue that leading historical accounts of human rights attribute “subjective” rights too narrowly to Enlightenment and post-Enlightenment legal thought. Earlier forms of classical Roman law and medieval canon law, and legal norms developed by Protestant reformers of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries shaped Western human rights regimes in historically important ways, anticipating most of the rights formulation of modern liberals. In response to contemporary scholars who criticize human rights paradigms as inadequate or incompatible with Christian faith and practice, the authors argue that rights should remain a part of Christian moral, legal, and political discourse, and that Christians should remain a part of pluralistic public debates about the appropriate scope and substance of human rights protections.
UNIVERSAL QUADRATIC FORMS AND ELEMENTS OF SMALL NORM IN REAL QUADRATIC FIELDS
Authors: KALA VÍTĚZSLAV
Published: January 2016

For any positive integer $M$ we show that there are infinitely many real quadratic fields that do not admit $M$-ary universal quadratic forms (without any restriction on the parity of their cross coefficients).
Molecular identification ofAncylostomaspecies from dogs and an assessment of zoonotic risk in low-income households, São Paulo State, Brazil
Authors: Oliveira-Arbex A.P. , David E.B. , Oliveira-Sequeira T.C.G. , Katagiri S. , Coradi S.T. , Guimarães S.
Published: January 2016

Hookworm infection stands out for its worldwide distribution and for its veterinary and public health relevance. Based on copromicroscopic examinations and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of the ITS1–5.8S–ITS2 region, we assessed, respectively, the prevalence of intestinal parasites and the identification of canine hookworm species in faeces recovered from 278 dogs living in households of an inland municipality of São Paulo State, Brazil. Intestinal parasites were found in 67.3% of dogs and hookworm infection was found at the highest prevalence rate (56.6%), followed byToxocara canis(11.9%),Isosporaspp. (11.9%),Giardiaspp. (5.8%),Sarcocystisspp. (4.0%), ‘Hammondia-like’ (1.4%),Dipylidium caninum(1.1%) andTrichuris vulpis(0.7%). Of 158 samples positive for hookworm eggs, 106 (67.1%) were amplified by PCR and, of those, 88 (55.7%) were successfully sequenced for species identification. Single infections withAncylostoma caninumandAncylostoma braziliensewere recorded in 61.4% and 12.5%, respectively, and mixed infections were found in 26.1%. The nucleotide sequences of both species showed high identity rates (98–100%) when compared with reference sequences. AlthoughA. caninumwas the most prevalent hookworm in the dogs assessed, the occurrence of bothA. caninumandA. braziliensein single and/or mixed infections poses a potential risk for the local population in a low-income area, especially children, to acquire cutaneous larva migrans (CLM).
Therapeutic Politics: Rawls's Respect for Rousseau
Authors: Warner John M. , Zink James R.
Published: January 2016

For nearly half a century democratic citizens have been preoccupied with the search for self-respect. Though classical liberalism places this question outside its purview and many commentators see in such a concern evidence of a “thin-skinned” political culture, John Rawls has recently provided serious arguments for the political relevance of self-respect. These arguments, we claim, are deeply indebted to the social and political theory of Jean-Jacques Rousseau, whose deep albeit underexamined influence on Rawls shows itself both in Rawls's conception of the social problem as well as in his solution to it. Rawls's belief that the provision of self-respect can solve the social problem is uniquely Rousseauan not only because of its emphasis on equality but also because it suggests political life can and must reconcile the conflicts between self and society at a fundamental level.
Violence and Civility
Authors: Frazer Elizabeth
Published: January 2016

The Wellek Library Lectures from which these two books developed were given in 1996. The English version (2015) translates the material of the lectures that address the themes of “the conversion of violence,” in particular in the philosophies of Hobbes and Hegel, and of “inconvertible violence.” “Inconvertible violence” signals those forms and practices of violence that annihilate possibilities of resistance, that cannot be arrested by political power and transformed into civil and social exchange. The French version (2010) includes a second part made up of further essays—on Clausewitz, Marxism, Lenin and Gandhi, and Schmitt and Hobbes—in which Balibar continues to wrestle with the categories “violence” and “politics” and the complex, elusive relationships between them.
Pedagogical challenges in folk music teaching in higher education: a case study of Hua’er music in China
Authors: Yang Yang , Welch Graham
Published: January 2016

Recent literature suggests that traditional approaches in folk music education are not necessarily compatible with the pedagogical conventions of formal music education. Whilst several recent studies have tended to define these non-classical-music learning contexts as ‘informal’, the practice of folk music that was recently introduced into Chinese Higher Music Education appears to be much more complex and fluid, at least in its real world setting. This case study presents a detailed example of the teaching and learning of folk singing in contemporary society in Western China. In this particular context, both ‘informal learning’ and ‘formal’ music practices were observed and compared, based on research data collected from four music lessons and subsequent interviews with the participants. Drawing upon the analytical evidence, the research discusses a possible pedagogical model where two apparently contrasting approaches to learning (i.e. a conservatory model vs. traditional folk learning) could coalesce to ensure more effective learning outcomes of traditional folk music in higher education contexts.
Correction: Corrigendum: Characterizing noise structure in single-cell RNA-seq distinguishes genuine from technical stochastic allelic expression
Authors: Kim Jong Kyoung , Kolodziejczyk Aleksandra A. , Ilicic Tomislav , Teichmann Sarah A. , Marioni John C.
Published: January 2016

Nature Communications 6: Article number: 8687 (2015); Published: 22 October 2015; Updated: 11 January 2016. The original version of this Article contained an error in the spelling of the author Tomislav Ilicic, which was incorrectly given as Tomislav Illicic. This has now been corrected in both the PDF and HTML versions of the Article.
Knock-down of ZBED6 in insulin-producing cells promotes N-cadherin junctions between beta-cells and neural crest stem cells in vitro
Authors: Wang Xuan , Xie Beichen , Qi Yu , Wallerman Ola , Vasylovska Svitlana , Andersson Leif , Kozlova Elena Nickolaevna , Welsh Nils
Published: January 2016

The role of the novel transcription factor ZBED6 for the adhesion/clustering of insulin-producing mouse MIN6 and βTC6 cells was investigated. Zbed6-silencing in the insulin producing cells resulted in increased three-dimensional cell-cell clustering and decreased adhesion to mouse laminin and human laminin 511. This was paralleled by a weaker focal adhesion kinase phosphorylation at laminin binding sites. Zbed6-silenced cells expressed less E-cadherin and more N-cadherin at cell-to-cell junctions. A strong ZBED6-binding site close to the N-cadherin gene transcription start site was observed. Three-dimensional clustering in Zbed6-silenced cells was prevented by an N-cadherin neutralizing antibody and by N-cadherin knockdown. Co-culture of neural crest stem cells (NCSCs) with Zbed6-silenced cells, but not with control cells, stimulated the outgrowth of NCSC processes. The cell-to-cell junctions between NCSCs and βTC6 cells stained more intensely for N-cadherin when Zbed6-silenced cells were co-cultured with NCSCs. We conclude that ZBED6 decreases the ratio between N- and E-cadherin. A lower N- to E-cadherin ratio may hamper the formation of three-dimensional beta-cell clusters and cell-to-cell junctions with NCSC and instead promote efficient attachment to a laminin support and monolayer growth. Thus, by controlling beta-cell adhesion and cell-to-cell junctions, ZBED6 might play an important role in beta-cell differentiation, proliferation and survival.
Selective pressure against horizontally acquired prokaryotic genes as a driving force of plastid evolution
Authors: Llorente Briardo , de Souza Flavio S. J. , Soto Gabriela , Meyer Cristian , Alonso Guillermo D. , Flawiá Mirtha M. , Bravo-Almonacid Fernando , Ayub Nicolás D. , Rodríguez-Concepción Manuel
Published: January 2016

The plastid organelle comprises a high proportion of nucleus-encoded proteins that were acquired from different prokaryotic donors via independent horizontal gene transfers following its primary endosymbiotic origin. What forces drove the targeting of these alien proteins to the plastid remains an unresolved evolutionary question. To better understand this process we screened for suitable candidate proteins to recapitulate their prokaryote-to-eukaryote transition. Here we identify the ancient horizontal transfer of a bacterial polyphenol oxidase (PPO) gene to the nuclear genome of an early land plant ancestor and infer the possible mechanism behind the plastidial localization of the encoded enzyme. Arabidopsis plants expressing PPO versions either lacking or harbouring a plastid-targeting signal allowed examining fitness consequences associated with its subcellular localization. Markedly, a deleterious effect on plant growth was highly correlated with PPO activity only when producing the non-targeted enzyme, suggesting that selection favoured the fixation of plastid-targeted protein versions. Our results reveal a possible evolutionary mechanism of how selection against heterologous genes encoding cytosolic proteins contributed in incrementing plastid proteome complexity from non-endosymbiotic gene sources, a process that may also impact mitochondrial evolution.
Length of intact plasma membrane determines the diffusion properties of cellular water
Authors: Eida Sato , Van Cauteren Marc , Hotokezaka Yuka , Katayama Ikuo , Sasaki Miho , Obara Makoto , Okuaki Tomoyuki , Sumi Misa , Nakamura Takashi
Published: January 2016

Molecular diffusion in a boundary-free medium depends only on the molecular size, the temperature and medium viscosity. However, the critical determinant of the molecular diffusion property in inhomogeneous biological tissues has not been identified. Here, using an in vitro system and a high-resolution MR imaging technique, we show that the length of the intact plasma membrane is a major determinant of water diffusion in a controlled cellular environment and that the cell perimeter length (CPL) is sufficient to estimate the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) of water in any cellular environment in our experimental system (ADC = −0.21 × CPL + 1.10). We used this finding to further explain the different diffusion kinetics of cells that are dying via apoptotic or non-apoptotic cell death pathways exhibiting characteristic changes in size, nuclear and cytoplasmic architectures and membrane integrity. These results suggest that the ADC value can be used as a potential biomarker for cell death.