bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the Filtering Properties of Ensemble Averaging for Storm-Scale Precipitation Forecasts
Authors: Surcel Madalina , Zawadzki Isztar , Yau M. K.
Published: October 2013

The mean (ENM) of an ensemble of precipitation forecasts is generally more skillful than any of the members as verified against observations. A major reason is that the averaging filters out nonpredictable features on which the members disagree. Previous research showed that the nonpredictable features occur at small scales, in both numerical forecasts and Lagrangian persistence nowcasts. Hence, it is plausible that the unpredictable features filtered through ensemble averaging would also occur at small scales. In this study, the exact range of scales affected by averaging is determined by comparing the statistical properties of precipitation fields between the ENM and the individual members from a Storm-Scale Ensemble Forecasting (SSEF) system run during NOAA’s 2008 Hazardous Weather Testbed (HWT) Spring Experiment. The filtering effect of ensemble averaging results in a low-intensity bias for the ENM forecasts. It has been previously proposed to correct the ENM forecasts by recalibrating the intensities in the ENM using the probability density function (PDF) of rainfall values from the ensemble members. This procedure, probability matching (PM), leads to a new ensemble mean, the probability matched mean (PMM). Past studies have shown that the PMM appears more realistic and yields better skill as evaluated using traditional scores. However, the authors demonstrate here that despite the PMM having the same PDF of rainfall intensities as the ensemble members, the spectral structure and the spatial distribution of the precipitation field differs from that of the members. It is the lesser variability of the PMM fields at small scales that causes the better scores of the PMM relative to the ensemble members.
An Ethical Analysis of Withdrawal of Therapy in Patients with Implantable Cardiac Electronic Devices: Application of a Novel Decision Algorithm
Authors: Kay G. Neal , Pelosi Frank
Published: October 2013

Patients with cardiovascular implantable electronic devices (CIEDs), which include pacemakers and implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs), may request deactivation of their devices as they approach the end of life. The Heart Rhythm Society (2010) has stated that “ethically, and legally, there are no differences between refusing CIED therapy and requesting withdrawal of CIED therapy.” On the basis of the principle that there is no ethical distinction between withholding and withdrawing treatment, this professional organization has suggested that both the antibradycardia and antitachycardia features of these devices may be disabled at the patient's request. We argue that disabling ICD shocks is analogs to a do-not-resuscitate order and is ethically permissible whereas withdrawing pacing from a pacemaker-dependent patient is an act of intentionally hastening death and not morally licit.
Can the Communion of Saints Help the Search for Justice in Dying well (Enough), “In Abraham's Arms, Where Lazarus is Poor no Longer”?
Authors: Buckley William Joseph
Published: October 2013

How can we practice dying in community? What communal practices nourish positive acts that make dying well (enough)—more than prudent caution in avoiding causing death (killing)? What part of our common ecclesial life as Catholics enables us to accompany dying persons as a gracious return to God? We are twice haunted: most first world deaths result from foreseen end-stage illnesses; mortality is less feared than burdensomeness for caregivers from vulnerable dependence. Of those who die in the hospital, many deaths result from decisions to withhold and withdraw treatments. From ten kinds of desolation about dying, ten parallel consolations are discerned in hopes and outcomes-based best practices.
Desmolaris, a novel factor XIa anticoagulant from the salivary gland of the vampire bat (Desmodus rotundus) inhibits inflammation and thrombosis in vivo
Authors: Ma Dongying , Mizurini Daniella M. , Assumpção Teresa C. F. , Li Yuan , Qi Yanwei , Kotsyfakis Michail , Ribeiro José M. C. , Monteiro Robson Q. , Francischetti Ivo M. B.
Published: October 2013

Key Points

Desmolaris, a major anticoagulant from vampire bat saliva, has been identified as a novel FXIa inhibitor. Desmolaris inhibits arterial thrombosis at concentrations that does not impair hemostasis.
Association of Genetic polymorphism of PPARγ-2, ACE, MTHFR, FABP-2 and FTO genes in risk prediction of type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Abbas Shania , Raza Syed Tasleem , Ahmed Faisal , Ahmad Absar , Rizvi Saliha , Mahdi Farzana
Published: October 2013

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a non-autoimmune, complex, heterogeneous and polygenic metabolic disease condition characterized by persistent elevated blood glucose levels (hyperglycemia). India as said to be the diabetic capital of the world is likely to experience the largest increase in T2DM and a greater number of diabetic individuals in the world by the year 2030. Identification of specific genetic variations in a particular ethnic group has a critical role in understanding the risk of developing T2DM in a much efficient way in future. These genetic variations include numerous types of polymorphisms among which single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) is the most frequent. SNPs are basically located within the regulatory elements of several gene sequences. There are scores of genes interacting with various environmental factors affecting various pathways and sometimes even the whole signalling network that cause diseases like T2DM. This review discusses the biomarkers for early risk prediction of T2DM. Such predictions could be used in order to understand the pathogenesis of T2DM and to better diagnostics, treatment, and eventually prevention.
Molecular co-evolution of a protease and its substrate elucidated by analysis of the activity of predicted ancestral hatching enzyme
Authors: Kawaguchi Mari , Inoue Koji , Iuchi Ichiro , Nishida Mutsumi , Yasumasu Shigeki
Published: October 2013

Background

Hatching enzyme is a protease that digests the egg envelope, enabling hatching of the embryo. We have comprehensively studied the molecular mechanisms of the enzyme action to its substrate egg envelope, and determined the gene/protein structure and phylogenetic relationships. Because the hatching enzyme must have evolved while maintaining its ability to digest the egg envelope, the hatching enzyme-egg envelope protein pair is a good model for studying molecular co-evolution of a protease and its substrate.

Results

Hatching enzymes from medaka (Oryzias latipes) and killifish (Fundulus heteroclitus) showed species-specific egg envelope digestion. We found that by introducing four medaka-type residue amino acid substitutions into recombinant killifish hatching enzyme, the mutant killifish hatching enzyme could digest medaka egg envelope. Further, we studied the participation of the cleavage site of the substrate in the species-specificity of hatching enzyme. A P2-site single amino acid substitution was responsible for the species-specificity. Estimation of the activity of the predicted ancestral enzymes towards various types of cleavage sites along with prediction of the evolutionary timing of substitutions allowed prediction of a possible evolutionary pathway, as follows: ancestral hatching enzyme, which had relatively strict substrate specificity, developed broader specificity as a result of four amino acid substitutions in the active site cleft of the enzyme. Subsequently, a single substitution occurred within the cleavage site of the substrate, and the recent feature of species-specificity was established in the hatching enzyme-egg envelope system.

Conclusions

The present study clearly provides an ideal model for protease-substrate co-evolution. The evolutionary process giving rise to species-specific egg envelope digestion of hatching enzyme was initiated by amino acid substitutions in the enzyme, resulting in altered substrate specificity, which later allowed an amino acid substitution in the substrate.
Genome-wide association and prediction of direct genomic breeding values for composition of fatty acids in Angus beef cattlea
Authors: Saatchi Mahdi , Garrick Dorian J , Tait Richard G , Mayes Mary S , Drewnoski Mary , Schoonmaker Jon , Diaz Clara , Beitz Don C , Reecy James M
Published: October 2013

Background

As consumers continue to request food products that have health advantages, it will be important for the livestock industry to supply a product that meet these demands. One such nutrient is fatty acids, which have been implicated as playing a role in cardiovascular disease. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the extent to which molecular markers could account for variation in fatty acid composition of skeletal muscle and identify genomic regions that harbor genetic variation.

Results

Subsets of markers on the Illumina 54K bovine SNPchip were able to account for up to 57% of the variance observed in fatty acid composition. In addition, these markers could be used to calculate a direct genomic breeding values (DGV) for a given fatty acids with an accuracy (measured as simple correlations between DGV and phenotype) ranging from -0.06 to 0.57. Furthermore, 57 1-Mb regions were identified that were associated with at least one fatty acid with a posterior probability of inclusion greater than 0.90. 1-Mb regions on BTA19, BTA26 and BTA29, which harbored fatty acid synthase, Sterol-CoA desaturase and thyroid hormone responsive candidate genes, respectively, explained a high percentage of genetic variance in more than one fatty acid. It was also observed that the correlation between DGV for different fatty acids at a given 1-Mb window ranged from almost 1 to -1.

Conclusions

Further investigations are needed to identify the causal variants harbored within the identified 1-Mb windows. For the first time, Angus breeders have a tool whereby they could select for altered fatty acid composition. Furthermore, these reported results could improve our understanding of the biology of fatty acid metabolism and deposition.
Potential cancer-related role of circadian gene TIMELESS suggested by expression profiling and in vitro analyses
Authors: Mao Yingying , Fu Alan , Leaderer Derek , Zheng Tongzhang , Chen Kun , Zhu Yong
Published: October 2013

Background

The circadian clock and cell cycle are two global regulatory systems that have pervasive behavioral and physiological effects on eukaryotic cells, and both play a role in cancer development. Recent studies have indicated that the circadian and cell cycle regulator, TIMELESS, may serve as a molecular bridge between these two regulatory systems.

Methods

To assess the role of TIMELESS in tumorigenesis, we analyzed TIMELESS expression data from publically accessible online databases. A loss-of-function analysis was then performed using TIMELESS-targeting siRNA oligos followed by a whole-genome expression microarray and network analysis. We further tested the effect of TIMELESS down-regulation on cell proliferation rates of a breast and cervical cancer cell line, as suggested by the results of our network analysis.

Results

TIMELESS was found to be frequently overexpressed in different tumor types compared to normal controls. Elevated expression of TIMELESS was significantly associated with more advanced tumor stage and poorer breast cancer prognosis. We identified a cancer-relevant network of transcripts with altered expression following TIMELESS knockdown which contained many genes with known functions in cancer development and progression. Furthermore, we observed that TIMELESS knockdown significantly decreased cell proliferation rate.

Conclusions

Our results suggest a potential role for TIMELESS in tumorigenesis, which warrants further investigation of TIMELESS expression as a potential biomarker of cancer susceptibility and prognostic outcome.
Transient anterior subcapsular vacuolar change of the crystalline lens in patients after posterior chamber phakic intraocular lens implantation
Authors: Chung Jin Kwon , Shin Jin Hee , Lee Sung Jin
Published: October 2013

Background

We present two cases of transient vacuolar changes in the anterior subcapsular space of the crystalline lens in patients after posterior chamber phakic intraocular lens implantation.

Case presentation

Implantable collamer lenses (ICL) were implanted in healthy myopic patients. Vacuolar changes developed just after the irrigating procedure through the narrow space between the ICL and the crystalline lens. Slit-lamp examinations and spectral domain optical coherence tomography showed bleb-like lesions in the anterior subcapsular space of one eye in each case, though the lesions gradually improved without visual deterioration. Consequently, the lesions turned into a few anterior subcapsular small faint opacities.

Conclusion

Direct irrigation of the narrow space confined by the ICL and the crystalline lens is at risk for the development of vacuolar changes in the crystalline lens. The observed spontaneous reversal indicates that surgeons should not rush to surgical intervention but rather opt for close follow over several weeks.
Use of different subjective health indicators to assess health inequalities in an urban immigrant population in north-western Italy: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Domnich Alexander , Amicizia Daniela , Panatto Donatella , Signori Alessio , Perelli Valentina , Adamoli Sergio , Riboli Edoardo Berti , Gasparini Roberto
Published: October 2013

Background

Despite the steady growth of the immigrant population in Italy, data on the health status of immigrants are scarce. Our main goals were to measure Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL), Self-Rated Health (SRH) and morbidity among immigrants in Genoa. We aimed to assess the relative contribution of some social, structural and behavioral determinants to “within-group” health disparities.

Methods

We enrolled 502 subjects by means of snowball sampling. The SF-12 questionnaire, integrated with socio-demographic and health-related items, was used. Multivariate logistic and Poisson regression models were applied in order to identify characteristics associated with poor SRH, lower SF-12 scores and prevalence of self-reported morbidities.

Results

Subjects showed relatively moderate levels of HRQoL (median physical and mental scores of 51.6 and 47.3, respectively) and about 15% of them rated their health as fair or poor. Lower scores in the physical dimension of HRQoL were associated with the presence of morbidities and immigration for work and religious reasons, while those who had migrated for religious and family reasons displayed a lower probability of lower scores in the mental dimension of HRQoL. Poor SRH was associated with female gender, overweight/obesity and presence of morbidities. Moreover, compared with immigrants from countries with a low human development index, immigrants from highly developed societies showed significantly lower odds of reporting poor SRH. About one-third of respondents reported at least one medical condition, while the prevalence of multi-morbidity was 10%. Females, over 45-year-olds, overweight and long-term immigrants had a higher prevalence of medical conditions.

Conclusions

Our study confirms the presence of health inequalities within a heterogeneous immigrant population. HRQoL, SRH and morbidity are valid, relatively rapid and cheap tools for measuring health inequalities, though they do so in different ways. These indicators should be used with caution and, if possible, simultaneously, as they could help to identify and to monitor more vulnerable subjects among immigrants.
Meta-analysis confirms association between TNFA- G238A variant and JIA, and between PTPN22-C1858T variant and oligoarticular, RF-polyarticular and RF-positive polyarticular JIA
Authors: Kaalla Merlyn J , Broadaway K Alaine , Rohani-Pichavant Mina , Conneely Karen N , Whiting April , Ponder Lori , Okou David T , Angeles-Han Sheila , Rouster-Stevens Kelly , Brown Milton R , Vogler Larry B , Jorde Lynn B , Bohnsack John F , Epstein Michael P , Prahalad Sampath
Published: October 2013

Background

Although more than 100 non-HLA variants have been tested for associations with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) in candidate gene studies, only a few have been replicated. We sought to replicate reported associations of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the PTPN22, TNFA and MIF genes in a well-characterized cohort of children with JIA.

Methods

We genotyped and analyzed 4 SNPs in 3 genes: PTPN22 C1858T (rs2476601), TNFA G-308A, G-238A (rs1800629, rs361525) and MIF G-173C (rs755622) in 647 JIA cases and 751 healthy controls. We tested for association between each variant and JIA as well as JIA subtypes. We adjusted for multiple testing using permutation procedures. We also performed a meta-analysis that combined our results with published results from JIA association studies.

Results

While the PTPN22 variant showed only modest association with JIA (OR = 1.29, p = 0.0309), it demonstrated a stronger association with the RF-positive polyarticular JIA subtype (OR = 2.12, p = 0.0041). The MIF variant was not associated with the JIA as a whole or with any subtype. The TNFA-238A variant was associated with JIA as a whole (OR 0.66, p = 0.0265), and demonstrated a stronger association with oligoarticular JIA (OR 0.33, p = 0.0006) that was significant after correction for multiple testing. TNFA-308A was not associated with JIA, but was nominally associated with systemic JIA (OR = 0.33, p = 0.0089) and enthesitis-related JIA (OR = 0.40, p = 0.0144). Meta-analyses confirmed significant associations between JIA and PTPN22 (OR 1.44, p <0.0001) and TNFA-238A (OR 0.69, p < 0.0086) variants. Subtype meta-analyses of the PTPN22 variant revealed associations between RF-positive, RF-negative, and oligoarticular JIA, that remained significant after multiple hypothesis correction (p < 0.0005, p = 0.0007, and p < 0.0005, respectively).

Conclusions

We have confirmed associations between JIA and PTPN22 and TNFA G-308A. By performing subtype analyses, we discovered a statistically-significant association between the TNFA-238A variant and oligoarticular JIA. Our meta-analyses confirm the associations between TNFA-238A and JIA, and show that PTPN22 C1858T is associated with JIA as well as with RF-positive, RF-negative and oligoarticular JIA.
Predictive value of in vitro assays depends on the mechanism of toxicity of metal oxide nanoparticles
Authors: Cho Wan-Seob , Duffin Rodger , Bradley Mark , Megson Ian L , MacNee William , Lee Jong Kwon , Jeong Jayoung , Donaldson Ken
Published: October 2013

Background

Hazard identification for risk assessment of nanoparticles (NPs) is mainly composed ofin vitrocell-based assays andin vivoanimal experimentation. The rapidly increasing number and functionalizations of NPs makesin vivotoxicity tests undesirable on both ethical and financial grounds, creating an urgent need for development ofin vitrocell-based assays that accurately predictin vivotoxicity and facilitate safe nanotechnology.

Methods

In this study, we used 9 different NPs (CeO2, TiO2, carbon black, SiO2, NiO, Co3O4, Cr2O3, CuO, and ZnO). As anin vivotoxicity endpoint, the acute lung inflammogenicity in a rat instillation model was compared with thein vitrotoxicity endpoints comprising cytotoxicity, pro-inflammatory cytokine expression, or haemolytic potential. Forin vitroassays, 8 different cell-based assays were used including epithelial cells, monocytic/macrophage cells, human erythrocytes, and combined culture.

Results

ZnO and CuO NPs acting via soluble toxic ions showed positive results in most of assays and were consistent with the lung inflammation data. When compared inin vitroassays at the same surface area dose (30 cm2/mL), NPs that were low solubility and therefore acting via surface reactivity had no convincing activity, except for CeO2NP. Cytotoxicity in differentiated peripheral blood mononuclear cells was the most accurate showing 89% accuracy and 11% false negativity in predicting acute lung inflammogenicity. However, the haemolysis assay showed 100% consistency with the lung inflammation if any dose, having statistical significance was considered positivity. Other cell-basedin vitroassays showed a poorer correlation within vivoinflammogenicity.

Conclusions

Based on the toxicity mechanisms of NPs, two different approaches can be applied for prediction ofin vivolung inflammogenicity. Mostin vitroassays were good at detecting NPs that act via soluble ions (i.e., ZnO and CuO NP). However,in vitroassays were limited in detecting NPs acting via surface reactivity as their mechanism of toxicity, except for the haemolysis assay.
The impact of the genome-wide supported variant in the cyclin M2 gene on gray matter morphology in schizophrenia
Authors: Ohi Kazutaka , Hashimoto Ryota , Yamamori Hidenaga , Yasuda Yuka , Fujimoto Michiko , Umeda-Yano Satomi , Fukunaga Masaki , Watanabe Yoshiyuki , Iwase Masao , Kazui Hiroaki , Takeda Masatoshi
Published: October 2013

Background

Genome-wide significant associations of schizophrenia with eight SNPs in the CNNM2, MIR137, PCGEM1, TRIM26, CSMD1, MMP16, NT5C2 and CCDC68 genes have been identified in a recent mega-analysis of genome-wide association studies. To date, the role of these SNPs on gray matter (GM) volumes remains unclear.

Methods

After performing quality control for minor-allele frequency > 5% using a JPT HapMap sample and our sample, a genotyping call rate > 95% and Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium testing (p > 0.01), five of eight SNPs were eligible for analysis. We used a comprehensive voxel-based morphometry (VBM) technique to investigate the effects of these five SNPs on GM volumes between major-allele homozygotes and minor-allele carriers in Japanese patients with schizophrenia (n = 173) and healthy subjects (n = 449).

Results

The rs7914558 risk variant at CNNM2 was associated with voxel-based GM volumes in the bilateral inferior frontal gyri (right T = 4.96, p = 0.0088, left T = 4.66, p = 0.031). These peak voxels, which were affected by the variant, existed in the orbital region of the inferior frontal gyri. Individuals with the risk G/G genotype of rs7914558 had smaller GM volumes in the bilateral inferior frontal gyri than carriers of the non-risk A-allele. Although several effects of the genotype and the genotype-diagnosis interaction of other SNPs on GM volumes were observed in the exploratory VBM analyses, these effects did not remain after the FWE- correction for multiple tests (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that the genetic variant in the CNNM2 gene could be implicated in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia through the GM volumetric vulnerability of the orbital regions in the inferior frontal gyri.
Acupuncture for dry eye syndrome after refractive surgery: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Jang Hyesun , Lee Sanghun , Kim Tae-Hun , Kim Ae-Ran , Lee Minhee , Lee Jun-Hwan
Published: October 2013

Background

Dry eye syndrome is a frequent complication of refractive surgery. Acupuncture has been widely used to alleviate the associated symptoms. However, the use of acupuncture for patients who suffer from dry eye syndrome following refractive surgery has certain drawbacks. This pilot study aims to evaluate the efficacy of acupuncture treatment in treating the signs and symptoms of dry eye syndrome after refractive surgery.

Methods/design

Forty participants will be randomly assigned to the acupuncture plus usual care group or the usual care control group. The acupuncture plus usual care group will undergo treatments on seventeen acupuncture points, three times per week for four weeks. The control group will receive only usual care during the same period. The primary outcomes will be scores on the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) and the results of examinations at 1, 3, 5, and 13 weeks. The secondary outcomes will be Tear Film Break-up Time (TBUT), as well as scores on the Schirmer-I test, visual analog scale (VAS), and quality of life (QOL) questionnaire for the self-assessment of ocular discomfort. Digital photographs will be taken to document the pattern of fluorescein staining observed on the corneal surface. The results of the Schirmer-I test, TBUT, and fluorescein-stained corneal surface digital photographs will be assessed at the screening and at week 13. VAS scores will be assessed at the screening, as well as at 1, 3, 5, and 13 weeks. QOL will be evaluated at 1, 3, 5, and 13 weeks.

Discussion

This trial will provide primary data with which to investigate the clinical effectiveness and safety of acupuncture treatment for dry eye syndrome after refractive surgery.

Trial registration

Current Controlled (Identifier: KCT0000727)
Clinical experience with ipilimumab 10 mg/kg in patients with melanoma treated at Italian centres as part of a European expanded access programme
Authors: Altomonte Maresa , Di Giacomo Anna Maria , Queirolo Paola , Ascierto Paolo Antonio , Spagnolo Francesco , Bajetta Emilio , Calabrò Luana , Danielli Riccardo , de Rosa Francesco , Maur Michela , Chiarion-Sileni Vanna , Ferrucci Pier Francesco , Giannarelli Diana , Testori Alessandro , Ridolfi Ruggero , Maio Michele
Published: October 2013

Background

Patients with advanced melanoma are faced with a poor prognosis and, until recently, limited treatment options. Ipilimumab, a novel immunotherapy that blocks cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen-4, was the first agent to improve survival of patients with advanced melanoma in a randomised, controlled phase 3 trial. We used data from an expanded access programme (EAP) at Italian centres to evaluate the clinical activity and safety profile of ipilimumab 10 mg/kg in patients with advanced melanoma in a setting more similar to that of daily practice.

Methods

Data were collected from patients enrolled in an ipilimumab EAP across eight participating Italian centres. As per the EAP protocol, patients had life-threatening, unresectable stage III/IV melanoma, had failed or did not tolerate previous treatments and had no other therapeutic option available. Treatment comprised ipilimumab 10 mg/kg every 3 weeks for a total of four doses. If physicians believed patients would continue to derive benefit from ipilimumab treatment, maintenance therapy with ipilimumab 10 mg/kg was provided every 12 weeks. Tumour responses were assessed every 12 weeks using modified World Health Organization criteria and safety continuously monitored.

Results

Seventy-four pretreated patients with advanced melanoma were treated with ipilimumab 10 mg/kg. Of these, 9 (13.0%) had an objective response, comprising 3 patients with a complete response and 6 with a partial response. Median overall survival was 7.0 months (95% confidence interval, 5.3–8.7) and 16.6% of patients were alive after 3 years. Forty-five patients (60.8%) reported treatment-related adverse events of any grade, which were most commonly low-grade pruritus, pain, fever and diarrhoea. Grade 3 or 4 treatment-related AEs were reported in 8 patients (10.8%).

Conclusions

The clinical activity and safety profile of ipilimumab 10 mg/kg in the EAP was similar to that seen in previous clinical trials of ipilimumab in pretreated patient populations.
Combined ceftazidime and amikacin resistance among Gram-negative isolates in acute-onset postoperative endophthalmitis: prevalence, antimicrobial susceptibilities, and visual acuity outcome
Authors: Jindal Animesh , Pathengay Avinash , Khera Manav , Jalali Subhadra , Mathai Annie , Pappuru Rajeev Reddy , Narayanan Raja , Sharma Savitri , Das Taraprasad , Flynn Harry W
Published: October 2013

Background

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the prevalence, antimicrobial susceptibilities, and visual acuity outcome of acute-onset postoperative Gram-negative bacterial endophthalmitis cases resistant to both ceftazidime and amikacin seen between 2005 and 2010 at L. V. Prasad Eye Institute, a tertiary care ophthalmic Centre in South India. Medical records of all patients with Gram-negative bacterial endophthalmitis resistant to both amikacin and ceftazidime between 1 January 2005 and 31 December 2010 were reviewed in this non-comparative, consecutive, retrospective case series. Favorable outcome was defined as a best-corrected visual acuity of ≥20/200.

Results

Sixty five (39.6%) of 164 culture-positive postoperative endophthalmitis were caused by Gram-negative organisms. Among these 65 isolates, 32 (49%; 95% confidence interval (CI) 37% to 61%) were resistant to ceftazidime, 17 (26%; 95% CI 15% to 37%) to amikacin, and 12 (18.5%; 95% CI 9% to 27%) to both ceftazidime and amikacin. Eight Pseudomonas isolates, three Enterobacter isolates, and one Haemophilus isolate were resistant to both ceftazidime and amikacin. The isolates were sensitive to fluoroquinolones (42%) and imipenem (50%). Presenting visual acuity was light perception in 10 (83.3%) cases. A final visual acuity ≥20/200 was achieved in 5/12 (41.7%) of these patients.

Conclusion

In the current study, Pseudomonas was the most common Gram-negative bacteria resistant to both amikacin and ceftazidime. The emergence of multidrug-resistant bacteria causing endophthalmitis is a matter of concern in India. Alternative antibiotics like imipenem or fluoroquinolones may be considered for the management of these resistant organisms.
Do Public Employment and Training Programs Work?
Authors: Heinrich Carolyn J , Mueser Peter R , Troske Kenneth R , Jeon Kyung-Seong , Kahvecioglu Daver C
Published: October 2013

We estimate impacts on earnings and employment of the two primary adult workforce support and training programs under the U.S. Workforce Investment Act (WIA) using administrative data on 160,000 participants from 12 states for up to four years following program entry. We find that participants in the WIA Adult program, who typically enter with poor work histories, realize improved employment levels and increased average quarterly earnings of several hundred dollars. Earnings gains for Dislocated Worker program participants are appreciably smaller, although these participants do experience employment gains.

JEL codes

I38, J08, J24
Do firms make greater use of training and temporary employment when labor adjustment costs are high?
Authors: Pierre Gaëlle , Scarpetta Stefano
Published: October 2013

In this paper, we present evidence on how employers in developing and emerging economies perceive employment regulations and react to them. We use harmonized surveys of about 10,800 firms around the world, supplemented by indicators of the stringency of employment protection that summarize detailed aspects of the labor legislation. We find that firms facing tight employment protection invest more in training, but also use temporary contracts to enhance labor flexibility. Using a difference-in-difference approach to control for unobservable characteristics, we find that small firms and those in sectors characterized by greater job reallocation are the most directly affected by employment protection.

JEL codes

J23, J65, K31
HIV-1 envelope–receptor interactions required for macrophage infection and implications for current HIV-1 cure strategies
Authors: Gorry Paul R , Francella Nicholas , Lewin Sharon R , Collman Ronald G
Published: October 2013

Myeloid cells residing in the CNS and lymphoid tissues are targets for productive HIV-1 replication, and their infection contributes to the pathological manifestations of HIV-1 infection. The Envs can adopt altered configurations to overcome entry restrictions in macrophages via a more efficient and/or altered mechanism of engagement with cellular receptors. This review highlights evidence supporting an important role for macrophages in HIV-1 pathogenesis and persistence, which need to be considered for strategies aimed at achieving a functional or sterilizing cure. We also highlight that the molecular mechanisms underlying HIV-1 tropism for macrophages are complex, involving enhanced and/or altered interactions with CD4, CCR5, and/or CXCR4, and that the nature of these interactions may depend on the anatomical location of the virus.
Aggregation-induced Emission of a Liquid-crystalline Quinolinium Salt Molecule in Aqueous Solution
Authors: Tanabe Kana , Kodama Daisuke , Hasegawa Miki , Kato Takashi
Published: October 2013

Aggregation-induced emission has been observed in a tripodal liquid-crystalline (LC) quinolinium salt. The quinolinium salt exhibits a liquid-crystalline columnar phase within the temperature range 56–191 °C. In the bulk LC state, the compound shows yellow emission. The fluorescence quantum yield (Φ) is 12.6% in the solid state at room temperature. In contrast, the compound shows no photoluminescence in the THF solution (Φ = ca. 0.0%). Addition of water to the THF solution results in stronger emission, and it shows yellow photoluminescence in the THF/water mixed solution above a water fraction of 60% (Φ = 5.2% in THF/water = 1:9 solution), presumably because of the formation of molecular aggregates in water.
Semantic field of the discourse sign in the language system and communicative space
Authors: Шапошников  , Shaposhnikov Vladimir
Published: October 2013

The article is devoted to discourse words as bearers of categorial concepts of the language organization and system of thinking. Categorial concept appears in the basis of the semantic field as a ,iltitude of commonly characterized indication signs. The author analyses semantic fields of particles and paradigmatic correlating units grouped with some content idea of specification. He further shows content parametres and the limits of the zone of the language unit operation, occurring language changes, semantic field evolution and basis of changes.
Gender Aspect of Fictional Communication between the Writer and the Reader
Authors: Федотова  , Fedotova Oksana
Published: October 2013

The paper shows that English language narrative discourse is multidimensional and heterogeneous. The author explicitly addresses the reader concerning things that are not directly connected with the fictional reality of the story. The aim of the paper is to analyze gender aspect of fictional communication between the writer and the reader. It’s a fact that the writer may reveal his presence in the narrative irrespective of the time the piece of narrative was written. The main markers are time shift, shift of narrative perspective and the use of maxims. When the author of a narrative text touches upon peculiarities of women’s nature he (she) usually emphasizes their negative sides, such as rivalry, flirtation and so on. When dealing with peculiarities of men’s character the author usually shows positive features such as friendship between man and man, loyalty and many others. Studying the role of the author in the narrative text with the correct analysis of the author’s views, ideas and attitudes may help to get a deeper insight into the way the narrative is structured and model the way in which narrative is formed in the process of creating a work of fiction.
Introduction to the OR Forum Article: “The Cost of Latency in High-Frequency Trading”
Authors: Pinker Edieal J.
Published: October 2013

Comment on “The Cost of Latency in High-Frequency Trading” by Ciamac C. Moallemi and Mehmet Sağlam.
Achieving the Promise of Electronic Health Record-enabled Quality Measurement: a
Measure Developer’s Perspective
Authors: Torda Phyllis , Tinoco Aldo
Published: October 2013

Electronic health record (EHR) systems support local quality improvement efforts
by health care organizations and provide the opportunity to address national priority
areas for quality measurement, such as specialty care, overuse and efficiency,
coordination of care, change over time and patient- reported outcomes (PROs). However,
variations in provider workflow and documentation habits, adoption of advanced EHR
functions and exchange of interoperable data, and eMeasure specification standards
affect the ability to develop and test measures that target these high priority areas
for improvement. Measure developers are working with providers, national standards
organizations, and other eMeasure stakeholders to address these challenges and support
learning health organizations in using EHR-based measurement to improve quality
Design and Characterization of Hybrid Morphology Nanoarrays as Plasmonic Raman Probes for Antimicrobial Detection
Authors: Olavarría-Fullerton Jenifier , Velez Raymond A. , Wells Sabrina , Sepaniak Michael J. , Hernández-Rivera Samuel P. , De Jesús Marco A.
Published: October 2013

Advances in nanofabrication have allowed the production of new and more reproducible substrates for the Raman detection of trace antimicrobials in water. The superior substrate uniformity combined with the ability to control surface morphology represents a significant step forward in the design of substrates with improved enhancement factors and trace-detection capabilities. The work presented herein successfully combines electron-beam lithography (EBL) and reactive ion-etching (RIE) protocols for the construction, testing, and validation of plasmonic hybrid morphology nanoarrays for the detection of arsenic antimicrobials in water. The fabricated substrates consist of 2500 μm2 Ag-coated silicon dioxide (SiO2)/Si pillar nanoarrays of alternating hexagonal and elliptical features. Control of simple fabrication parameters such as inter-particle spacing (gap) and its orientation relative to the laser polarization vector (parallel or orthogonal) result in over a tenfold improvement in the apparent Raman response under optimized conditions. At a 633 nm excitation frequency, the best substrate performance was observed on parallel-oriented features with a 200 nm gap, with over one order of magnitude increase in the apparent surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) signal relative to standard silver–polydimethylsiloxane (Ag-PDMS) nanocomposites. Monitoring of the characteristic As–C stretching band at 594 cm−1 allowed the detection of arsenic antimicrobials in water well within the parts per million range. Calculated surface-enhancement factors (SEF) for this substrate, employing 532, 785, and 633 nm excitation wavelengths, was within five, six, and seven orders of magnitude, respectively. The effect of substrate morphology and nanofabrication process on the Raman enhancement factor is presented.
Investigation on the Adsorption of Alkoxysilanes on Stainless Steel
Authors: Huser Julien , Bistac Sophie , Brogly Maurice , Delaite Christelle , Lasuye Thierry , Stasik Bernard
Published: October 2013

Alkoxysilanes, and mainly trialkoxysilanes, have been widely used as coupling agents on metallic surfaces. They are of interest mainly because they form a water-stable covalent bond with a surface composed of hydroxides. The grafting of these molecules should also give rise to the formation of a siloxane network at the substrate's surface. However, only a few studies examine stainless steel substrate, such as AISI 316L, for which the main difficulty is the low surface reactivity. In order to improve the silane anchoring, a prehydrolysis of the alkoxysilane was performed to transform the methoxy groups into silanol groups. This reaction happened in an aqueous medium and at a controlled pH, which impacted the prehydrolysis efficiency. Curing followed this step, which allows the grafting of the alkoxysilane on stainless steel's surface. Polarization modulation infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy (PM-IRRAS) was performed in order to identify the grafting of the silane molecules. Tests were made to compare the grafting of alkoxysilanes as a function of their functional groups and their prehydrolysis conditions. PM-IRRAS coupled with atomic force microscopy allowed the observation of the grafting of the studied alkoxysilanes. The nature of the remaining functional group (its ability to react with polymer, for example) of the alkoxysilane plays a major role in this process, since its chemical nature influences the grafting mechanism.
Non-Destructive Determination of Ethylene Vinyl Acetate Cross-Linking in Photovoltaic (PV) Modules by Raman Spectroscopy
Authors: Chernev Boril S. , Hirschl Christina , Eder Gabriele C.
Published: October 2013

Vibrational spectroscopy was found to be a suitable method for the determination of the degree of cross-linking of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) polymers. Spectral changes in the Raman spectra of EVA with increasing lamination time (which equals increasing degree of cross-linking) were mainly detected in the CH vibrational regions, namely, in the relative intensities of the characteristic CH3 and CH2 bands. These spectral regions were chosen for a chemometric evaluation where a calibration was performed with the Raman spectra of reference EVA samples and the results obtained from corresponding thermal analysis (differential scanning calorimetry) and Soxhlet extraction data. These datasets were subsequently used to non-destructively determine the progress of cross-linking in EVA foils, embedded in various mini-modules by Raman microscopy. Thus, we could show that Raman spectroscopy is a highly interesting method for quality control in the production of photovoltaic (PV) modules. However, this approach is valid only for a given grade of EVA, meaning a demand for a new calibration when changing the supplier or the type of EVA used. In addition, the applicability of infrared spectroscopy for the determination of the degree of cross-linking was tested. A good correlation of the decrease in intensity of the characteristic cross-linker infrared bands with increasing progress of the cross-linking was found, as determined by reference methods. However, this analytical method requires taking samples of the EVA foils and is, thus, unsuitable for the non-destructive determination of the degree of cross-linking of the EVA encapsulated within a PV module.
Detection of Harmful Residues in Honey Using Terahertz Time-Domain Spectroscopy
Authors: Massaouti Maria , Daskalaki Christina , Gorodetsky Andrei , Koulouklidis Anastasios D. , Tzortzakis Stelios
Published: October 2013

Terahertz time-domain spectroscopy (THz–TDS) has been applied for the detection and discrimination of harmful chemical residues in honey. Three antibiotics (sulfapyridine, sulfathiazole, and tetracycline) and two acaricides (coumaphos and amitraz) were characterized in the THz frequency regime between 0.5 THz and 6.0 THz. All chemical substances present distinct absorption peaks. THz transmission measurements of honey mixtures with antibiotics have been performed, revealing that antibiotic residues are traceable in highly absorptive food products, such as honey, at concentrations down to 1% weight percentage, thanks to their THz fingerprints. Moreover, multiple antibiotics were identified in their mixture with honey, pointing out the potential of the technique to be used in the near future as a fast, real-time technique for detecting and discriminating multi-residues strictly related to food safety issues.
Enhancement of Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) Detection Limit Using a Low-Pressure and Short-Pulse Laser-Induced Plasma Process
Authors: Wang Zhen Zhen , Deguchi Yoshihiro , Kuwahara Masakazu , Yan Jun Jie , Liu Ji Ping
Published: October 2013

Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) technology is an appealing technique compared with many other types of elemental analysis because of the fast response, high sensitivity, real-time, and noncontact features. One of the challenging targets of LIBS is the enhancement of the detection limit. In this study, the detection limit of gas-phase LIBS analysis has been improved by controlling the pressure and laser pulse width. In order to verify this method, low-pressure gas plasma was induced using nanosecond and picosecond lasers. The method was applied to the detection of Hg. The emission intensity ratio of the Hg atom to NO (IHg/ INO) was analyzed to evaluate the LIBS detection limit because the NO emission (interference signal) was formed during the plasma generation and cooling process of N2 and O2 in the air. It was demonstrated that the enhancement of IHg/ INO arose by decreasing the pressure to a few kilopascals, and the IHg/ INO of the picosecond breakdown was always much higher than that of the nanosecond breakdown at low buffer gas pressure. Enhancement of IHg/ INO increased more than 10 times at 700 Pa using picosecond laser with 35 ps pulse width. The detection limit was enhanced to 0.03 ppm (parts per million). We also saw that the spectra from the center and edge parts of plasma showed different features. Comparing the central spectra with the edge spectra, IHg/ INO of the edge spectra was higher than that of the central spectra using the picosecond laser breakdown process.
The crisis of contemporary Arab television: Has the move towards transnationalism and privatization in Arab television affected democratization and social development in the Arab world?
Authors: Elouardaoui Ouidyane
Published: October 2013

The Arab media have witnessed a radical shift starting in the 1990s with the emergence of a wide range of private satellite-TV channels. These new TV channels, such as MBC (Middle East Broadcasting Center) and Al Jazeera have rapidly become the leading Arab channels in the realms of entertainment and news broadcasting. These transnational channels are believed by many scholars to have challenged the traditional approach of their government-owned counterparts. Alternatively, other scholars argue that despite the easy flow of capital and images in present Arab television, having access to trustworthy information still poses a challenge due to the governments’ grip on the production and distribution of visual media. This article brings together these contrasting perspectives, arguing that despite the unifying role of Arab satellite TV channels, in which national challenges are cast as common regional worries, democratization and social development have suffered. One primary factor is the presence of relationships forged between TV broadcasters with influential government figures nationally and regionally within the Arab world. I have also based my findings on personal communication with TV professionals at the second Moroccan satellite TV channel known as 2M.
Begum Barve: Embodiment of subversive fantasy
Authors: Dixit Madhuri
Published: October 2013

Satish Alekar’s play Begum Barve (first performed in 1979) is a play of fantasies superimposing reality. It accommodates a universe constituted by the imagination of petty men – a female impersonator actor, a gambler and two ordinary clerks. The mixing of their imaginations creates a female fantasy-character called Nalawadebai/Sarangnayana. This is a complex exercise because the fantasy-character is inscribed on the impersonator’s male body in the wake of the physical absence of woman in the play. Nalawadebai/Sarangnayana serves as an interface for one of the clerks and the female impersonator. The character is constituted by the female impersonator’s aspiration for important female roles and the clerk’s aspiration for a normative familial life. The result is a complicated network of gendered social meanings, theatrical references and unfulfilled desires instead of any narrative. The play is unique for calling our attention to the place of mediocre female impersonators in the supposedly golden age of Marathi Sangeet Natak/musical plays. In the constitution of the fantasy-character, the play revisits contemporary cultural understanding about womanhood as exhibited and constructed by Sangeet Natak. It is important to note that the play, although much acclaimed, does not have an extensive production history. The present article proposes to examine the role of fantasies in achieving complexity of social meanings. It discusses possible reasons for the small number of performances of the play, sociology of Sangeet Natak, the subversive potential of fantasies and the theatrically constructed cultural understanding of female gender. The theoretical context of my research is informed by concepts of everyday life and embodiment.