bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bridging a 30 mm defect in the canine ulnar nerve using vessel‐containing conduits with implantation of bone marrow stromal cells
Authors: Kaizawa Yukitoshi , Kakinoki Ryosuke , Ikeguchi Ryosuke , Ohta Souichi , Noguchi Takashi , Oda Hiroki , Matsuda Shuichi
Published: March 2015

Previously, we showed that undifferentiated bone marrow stromal cell (uBMSC) implantation and vessel insertion into a nerve conduit facilitated peripheral nerve regeneration in a rodent model. In this study, we investigated the efficacy of the uBMSC‐laden vessel‐containing conduit in repair of segmental nerve defects, using a canine model. Eight beagle dogs were used in this study. Thirty‐millimeter ulnar nerve defects were repaired with the conduits (right forelimbs,n = 8) or autografts (left forelimbs,n = 7). In the conduit group, the ulnar artery was inserted into the l‐lactide/ε‐caprolactone tube, which was filled with autologous uBMSCs obtained from the ilium. In the autograft group, the reversed nerve segments were sutured in situ. At 8 weeks, one dog with only nerve repair with the conduit was sacrificed and the regenerated nerve in the conduit underwent immunohistochemistry for investigation of the differentiation capability of the implanted uBMSCs. In the remaining seven dogs, the repaired nerves underwent electrophysiological examination at 12 and 24 weeks and morphometric measurements at 24 weeks. The wet weight of hypothenar muscles was measured at 24 weeks. At 8 weeks, almost 35% of the implanted uBMSCs expressed glial markers. At 12 weeks, amplitude (0.4 ± 0.4mV) and conduction velocity (18.9 ± 14.3m/s) were significantly lower in the conduit group than in the autograft group (3.2 ± 2.5 mV, 34.9 ± 12.1 m/s,P < 0.05). Although the nerve regeneration in the conduit group was inferior when compared with the autograft group at 24 weeks, there were no significant differences between both groups, regarding amplitude (10.9 ± 7.3 vs. 25.3 ± 20.1 mV;P = 0.11), conduction velocity (23.5 ± 8.7 vs 31.6 ± 20.0m/s;P = 0.35), myelinated axon number (7032 ± 4188 vs 7165 ± 1814;P = 0.94), diameter (1.73 ± 0.31 vs 2.09 ± 0.39μm;P = 0.09), or muscle weight (1.02 ± 0.40 vs 1.19 ± 0.26g;P = 0.36). In conclusion, this study showed that vessel‐containing tubes with uBMSC implantation may be an option for treatment of peripheral nerve injuries. However, further investigations are needed. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 36:316–324, 2016.
Flexible, 31‐Channel breast coil for enhanced parallel imaging performance at 3T
Authors: Hancu Ileana , Fiveland Eric , Park Keith , Giaquinto Randy O. , Rohling Kenneth , Wiesinger Florian
Published: March 2015

Purpose

To design, build, and characterize the performance of a novel 3T, 31‐channel breast coil.

Methods

A flexible breast coil, accommodating all breast sizes while preserving close to unity filling factors in all configurations, was designed and built. Its performance was compared to the performance of the current state‐of‐the‐art, 16 channel breast coil (Sentinelle coil, Hologic, Bedford, MA, USA), in phantoms and in vivo.

Results

Better axilla coverage and lower inter‐coil coupling (12% versus 26%, as characterized by the average off‐diagonal elements of the noise correlation matrix) was exhibited by our 31‐channel coil compared with the 16‐channel coil. Breast area signal‐to‐noise ratio increases of 68% (phantom) and 28% ± 31% (in vivo) were observed when the 31‐channel coil was used. For the 31‐channel/16‐channel arrays, respectively, two‐dimensional acceleration factors of left/right × superior/inferior = 4.3 × 2.4 resulted in average g‐factors of 1.10/1.68 (in vitro) and 1.28/2.75 (in vivo); acceleration factors of left/right × anterior/posterior = 3.0 × 2.8 resulted in average g‐factors of 1.06/1.54 (in vitro) and 1.05/1.12 (in vivo).

Conclusion

A high performance breast coil was built; its capabilities were demonstrated in phantom and normal volunteer imaging experiments. Magn Reson Med 75:897–905, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A subspace‐based coil combination method for phased‐array magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Gol Gungor Derya , Potter Lee C.
Published: March 2015

Purpose

Coil‐by‐coil reconstruction methods are followed by coil combination to obtain a single image representing a spin density map. Typical coil combination methods, such as square‐root sum‐of‐squares and adaptive coil combining, yield images that exhibit spatially varying modulation of image intensity. Existing practice is to first combine coils according to a signal‐to‐noise criterion, then postprocess to correct intensity inhomogeneity. If inhomogeneity is severe, however, intensity correction methods can yield poor results. The purpose of this article is to present an alternative optimality criterion for coil combination; the resulting procedure yields reduced intensity inhomogeneity while preserving contrast.

Theory and Methods

A minimum mean squared error criterion is adopted for combining coils via a subspace decomposition. Techniques are compared using both simulated and in vivo data.

Results

Experimental results for simulated and in vivo data demonstrate lower bias, higher signal‐to‐noise ratio (about 7×) and contrast‐to‐noise ratio (about 2×), compared to existing coil combination techniques.

Conclusion

The proposed coil combination method is noniterative and does not require estimation of coil sensitivity maps or image mask; the method is particularly suited to cases where intensity inhomogeneity is too severe for existing approaches. Magn Reson Med 75:762–774, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Solvent‐Tuned Self‐Assembled Nanostructures of Chiral l/d‐Phenylalanine Derivatives of Protoporphyrin IX
Authors: Bobe Mr. Sharad R. , Al Kobaisi Mohammad , Bhosale Sheshanath V. , Bhosale Sidhanath V.
Published: March 2015

Protoporphyrin IX is a naturally occurring amphiphilic porphyrin with a rigid hydrophobic nonpolar core and two polar propionic acid substitutions on the porphyrin ring. This molecule can be modified on the hydrophilic group, which can lead to strengthened π–π‐stacking and spontaneous self‐assembly into novel nanostructures. Herein, we use l‐ phenylalanine and d‐phenylalanine to modify protoporphyrin IX, and use the two derivatives for solvophobic‐controlled self‐assembly. Both derivatives possess two important features: 1) the aromatic core of the porphyrin for dispersive interactions and 2) a chiral amino acid to maximize the influence of chirality on selfassembly. These derivatives lead to the formation of a variety of nanostructure morphologies, such as spheres, nanofibers, lamellar structures, and thread‐like and spherical shells. Solution‐based self‐assembly was determined by UV/Vis, fluorescence, and circular dichroism spectroscopy, and the formed nanostructures were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Such engineered porphyrin derivatives could have potential applications in energy transport and storage, supramolecular chemistry, materials science, and medicine.
QCTFF: On the construction of a novel protein force field
Authors: Popelier Paul L. A.
Published: March 2015

In this perspective, we explain the strategy behind QCTFF, the current name for a novel atomistic protein force field. The atoms are constructed using Quantum Chemical Topology (QCT). These topological atoms determine how a system's energy is partitioned. We give a brief account of the results hitherto obtained, and a glimpse of unpublished results. Combining this QCT partitioning with the universal quantum expression of energy, leads to four types of fundamental energy contributions. The first of these is intra‐atomic and the remaining three interatomic: (i) atomic self‐energy, (ii) Coulomb energy, (iii) exchange energy, and (iv) correlation energy. All structural and dynamic effects emerge from the interplay of these contributions. The machine learning method kriging captures well how they change in response to a change in nuclear configuration. Second, the Coulomb energy is represented by a converging multipolar series expansion when the nuclei are sufficiently far apart. © 2015 The Authors International Journal of Quantum Chemistry Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effect of microhydration on the atmospherically important metastable carbonyl sulfide anion: Structure, energetic, and infrared study
Authors: Mondal Saptarsi , Teja Avula Uday , Singh Prashant Chandra
Published: March 2015

Structure, energetics, and vibrational frequency of the microhydrated carbonyl sulfide anion [OCS−(H2O)n (n = 1–6)] have been explored by the systematic ab initio study to have a comprehensive understanding about the hydration‐induced stabilization phenomenon of OCS−. Water binds with the OCS− in single hydrogen‐bonded (SHB) or double hydrogen‐bonded (DHB) fashion with OH
S and OH
O contacts. Maximum five water molecules can stay in a cyclic water network of these hydrated clusters forming interwater hydrogen bonding (IHB) with each other and out of this, maximum of two water molecules can bind directly to the OCS− in (DHB) arrangement. The stabilization energy values of OCS−(H2O)n depict that ion–water interaction is significant up to four water molecules and beyond that OCS− is stabilized by IHB between the water molecules. The CO stretching frequency of OCS− gets red shifted, whereas CS stretching frequency gets blue shifted on hydration. Charge analysis of hydrated clusters of OCS− indicates that negative charge moves toward oxygen from sulfur on hydration. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Into the pressure cooker: Student stress in college preparatory high schools
Authors: Feld Lauren D. , Shusterman Anna
Published: March 2015

Purpose

The goals of this study were to (1) measure psychological, physiological, and behavioral indicators of stress, (2) assess the relationship between stress and student attitudes, and (3) explore coping behaviors in response to stress, among a sample of students in two academically high‐achieving environments.

Method

Three hundred thirty‐three students in grades 9 through 12 from two college‐preparatory high schools completed a cross‐sectional online survey that included the Students' Life Satisfaction Scale, School Attitude Assessment Questionnaire‐Revised, and assessments for stress‐related indicators, including eating, sleeping and exercise, and strategies they utilized for coping with stress.

Results

Students reported a high prevalence of physical and psychological correlates of stress, and related unhealthy behaviors such as widespread and chronic sleep deprivation and rushed meals.

Conclusions

The results suggest areas to focus attention for identifying and addressing maladaptive responses to stress among high‐achieving student populations.
Annexin A2 is SUMOylated on its N‐terminal domain: Regulation by insulin
Authors: Caron Danielle , Boutchueng-Djidjou Martial , Tanguay Robert M. , Faure Robert L.
Published: March 2015

Insulin receptor (IR) endocytosis requires a remodelling of the actin cytoskeleton. We show here that ANXA2 is SUMOylated at the K10 located in a non‐consensus SUMOylation motif in the N‐terminal domain. The Y24F mutation decreased the SUMOylation signal, whereas insulin stimulation increased ANXA2 SUMOylation. A survey of protein SUMOylation in hepatic Golgi/endosome (G/E) fractions after insulin injections revealed the presence of a SUMOylation pattern and confirmed the SUMOylation of ANXA2. The construction of an IR/ANXA2/SUMO network (IRASGEN) in the G/E context reveals the presence of interacting nodes whereby SUMO1 connects ANXA2 to actin and microtubule‐mediated changes in membrane topology. Heritable variants associated with type 2 diabetes represent 41% of the IRASGEN thus pointing out the physio‐pathological importance of this subnetwork.
Design and evaluation of a peptide‐based immunotoxin for breast cancer therapeutics
Authors: Weigel Kelsey J. , Shen Luqun , Thomas Clayton L. , Alber Daniel , Drapalik Lauren , Schafer Zachary T. , Lee Shaun W.
Published: March 2015

Immunotoxins are chimeric proteins comprising a specific cellular targeting domain linked to a cytotoxic factor. Here we describe the design and use of a novel, peptide‐based immunotoxin that can initiate selective cytotoxicity on ErbB2‐positive cells. ErbB2 is a receptor tyrosine kinase that is overexpressed in the tumor cells of approximately 30% of breast cancer patients. Immunotoxin candidates were designed to incorporate a targeting ligand with affinity for ErbB2 along with a membrane lysin‐based toxin domain. One particular peptide candidate, NL1.1‐PSA, demonstrated selective cytotoxicity towards ErbB2‐overexpressing cell lines. We utilized a bioengineering strategy to show that recombinant NL1.1‐PSA immunotoxin expression byEscherichia coli also conferred selective cytotoxicity towards ErbB2‐overexpressing cells. Our findings hold significant promise for the use of effective immunotoxins in cancer therapeutics.
Model validity of randomised placebo-controlled trials of individualised homeopathic treatment
Authors: Mathie Robert T , Van Wassenhoven Michel , Jacobs Jennifer , Oberbaum Menachem , Roniger Helmut , Frye Joyce , Manchanda Raj K , Terzan Laurence , Chaufferin Gilles , Dantas Flávio , Fisher Peter
Published: March 2015

Background: Though potentially an important limitation in the literature of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of homeopathy, the model validity of homeopathic treatment (MVHT) has not previously been systematically investigated.

Objective: As an integral part of a programme of systematic reviews, to assess MVHT of eligible RCTs of individualised homeopathic treatment.

Methods: From 46 previously identified papers in the category, 31 papers (reporting a total of 32 RCTs) were eligible for systematic review and were thus the subject of the study. For each of six domains of assessment per trial, MVHT was judged independently by three randomly allocated assessors from our group, who reached a final verdict by consensus discussion as necessary.

Results: Nineteen trials were judged overall as ‘acceptable’ MVHT, nine as ‘uncertain’ MVHT, and four as ‘inadequate’ MVHT.

Conclusions: These results do not support concern that deficient MVHT has frequently undermined the published findings of RCTs of individualised homeopathy. However, the 13 trials with ‘uncertain’ or ‘inadequate’ MVHT will be a focus of attention in supplementary meta-analysis. New RCTs of individualised homeopathy must aim to maximise MVHT and to enable its assessment through clear reporting.
Role of back-arc tectonics in the origin of subduction magmas: new Sr, Nd, and Pb isotope data from Middle Miocene lavas of Kunashir Island (Kurile Island Arc)
Authors: Martynov A.Yu. , Martynov Yu.A. , Rybin A.V. , Kimura J.-I.
Published: March 2015

Sr, Nd, and Pb isotope data for basaltic rocks of different ages from Kunashir Island (southern Kurile island arc) provide clues to investigate the subduction magmatic history. Signatures of a high-temperature slab component (melt and/or supercritical liquid produced by melting of slab sediments) involved in Early Miocene–Pleistocene back-arc basaltic magmatism indicate a relatively hot (> 800 °C) slab surface. Depleted isotope characteristics of Holocene basaltic lavas in both volcanic front and back arc indicate their origin with the participation of a cold aqueous fluid produced by dehydration of altered oceanic crust of the Pacific MORB type. The difference in geological, geochemical and isotope patterns in the Pleistocene and the Holocene lavas may be a response to stress change from extension to compression in the Kurile back-arc basin and the Kurile arc.
Sources and geodynamic setting of petrogenesis of the Middle Cambrian Upper Petropavlovka alkaline basic pluton (Kuznetsk Alatau, Siberia)
Authors: Vrublevskii V.V.
Published: March 2015

Early Paleozoic alkaline basic magmatism in the Kuznetsk Alatau is manifested in the Upper Petropavlovka pluton of gabbro, feldspathoid rocks (theralites, mafic foidolites, and nepheline syenites), and Ca-carbonatites. According to Sm–Nd and Rb–Sr isotope data, the pluton formed in the Middle Cambrian (509 ± 10 Ma). The silicate igneous rocks correspond in the contents of silica, alumina, and alkalies to derivates of a K–Na alkaline basic association. The Ca-carbonatites are characterized by a high-temperature (600–900 °C) paragenesis of apatite, clinopyroxene, ferromonticellite, phlogopite, and magnetite. They are enriched in P2O5 (up to 6.4 wt.%), Sr (up to 3000–4500 ppm; Sr/Ba ~ 5–7), and REE + Y (up to 800 ppm) and show evidence for liquation genesis. The predominant magmatic source (εNd(T) = 5–7) was moderately depleted PREMA, possibly combined with E-MORB and EM. According to the isotopic data ((87Sr/86Sr)T ~ 0.7024–0.7065; δ18O ~ 6.3–15.5‰; δ18C ~ –3.5 to –2.0‰), the fractionation of the melts was accompanied by their crustal contamination. The trace-element composition of the mafic rocks testifies to the participation of a substance similar to the substrata of the parental magmas of MORB, IAB, and OIB in the magma generation. This suggests intrusion in the geodynamic setting of interaction between the active continental margin and an ascending mantle diapir. Most likely, the intrusion led to the mixing of material from different sources, including the components of PREMA, enriched suprasubduction lithospheric mantle (EM), and continental crust. The assumption is made that the complexes of highly alkaline rocks and carbonatites in the western Central Asian Fold Belt are of plume origin and belong to an Early Paleozoic large igneous province.
The Zhireken porphyry Mo ore-magmatic system (eastern Transbaikalia): U–Pb age, sources, and geodynamic setting
Authors: Berzina A.P. , Berzina A.N. , Gimon V.O. , Bayanova T.B. , Kiseleva V.Yu. , Krymskii R.Sh. , Lepekhina E.N. , Palesskii S.V.
Published: March 2015

Two intrusive complexes are recognized in the Zhireken deposit: Amanan and ore-bearing porphyry. According to the ages obtained by U–Pb zircon dating (Amanan complex—162.6 ± 1.4 Ma, granites and monzonite-porphyry of the ore-bearing complex—159.0 ± 1.6 and 157.5 ± 2.9 Ma), the Amanan complex formed at the end of collision, and the ore-bearing porphyry complex, during the change of the geodynamic regime by the postcollisional (rift) one. The rocks of two complexes have high contents of LILE and LREE and low contents of HFSE and HREE. The (87Sr/86Sr)0 ratio in the gabbro and granites of the Amanan complex is 0.70501 and 0.70534, respectively, and that in the rocks of the porphyry complex is within 0.70451–0.70633. The Amanan gabbro, gabbro-diorites, and granites are characterized by εNd(T) = –1.4, –1.8, and –10.3, respectively, and the rocks of the ore-bearing complex, by εNd(T) = –3.7 to + 1.0. The model TNd(DM) age of the Amanan granites is 1.5 Ga, and that of the granites and porphyry of the ore-bearing complex is 1.0–0.8 Ga. The Pb isotope ratios in the rocks of the Amanan and porphyry complexes are: 206Pb/204Pb = 18.086–18.136 and 18.199–18.442, 207Pb/204Pb = 15.487–15.499 and 15.506–15.545, and 208Pb/204Pb = 38.046–38.256 and 38.230–38.456. The results of geological, geochemical, and isotope studies admit that magmas were generated from juvenile and ancient crusts. Melts probably ascended from a depth of no less than 55 km during the melting of crust thickened as a result of tectonic deformations (in the upper horizons) and during the basic-magma supply (in the lower horizons). Juvenile mafic crust is considered to be the major source of fluid components and metals. Favorable conditions for the ore generation in the magmatic system during the formation of the porphyry complex arose at the previous stage, during the formation of the Amanan complex, which we regard as a preparatory stage in the evolution of the long-living ore-magmatic system.

© 2015, V.S. Sobolev IGM, Siberian Branch of the RAS. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
The nature of geomagnetic anomalies in metamorphosed chromite-bearing dunites: a case study of the southern Klyuchevskoy complex, Central Urals
Authors: Sherendo T.A. , Vdovin A.G. , Martyshko P.S. , Mitrofanov V.Ya. , Alekseev A.V. , Zamyatin D.A. , Vazhenin V.A. , Pamyatnykh L.A.
Published: March 2015

Chromite mineralization in metamorphosed dunites from the southern Klyuchevskoy dunite-harzburgite ultramafic complex (Central Urals) has been investigated using geomagnetic surveys along with laboratory studies of ore-forming and accessory spinels of the same genetic type. Magnetization in the study area is carried mainly by accessory Fe-Cr-spinel of a variable Fe2+(Cr2-xFex3+)O4 composition. Metamorphism caused changes in element contents and in both crystal and magnetic structure of the primary nonmagnetic accessory spinel, unlike the almost fresh ore-forming spinel. Thus, ore bodies stand against their host rocks, which is a prerequisite for the use of geomagnetic surveys for exploration of podiform chromite deposits in dunite-harzburgite complexes. Ground magnetic surveys at a test site composed of faulted rocks bearing disseminated chromite mineralization in metamorphosed dunites resolved a chromite ore zone and a fault block boundary showing up as geomagnetic anomalies. Laboratory studies using high technologies (thermomagnetic analysis at 4 to 1000 K, as well as magnetic resonance and magnetic force spectroscopy) revealed, for the first time, magnetic clusters (superparamagnetic phases) in primary nonmagnetic accessory spinel, which are responsible for the magnetic properties of the host rocks. Microscale variations in Cr-spinel correlate with the geomagnetic anomalies recorded by field surveys at the test site.

© 2015, V.S. Sobolev IGM, Siberian Branch of the RAS. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Effects of Implicit Failure Priming on Cognitive and Motor Performance in Elementary School Children
Authors: Schüler Julia , Brandstätter Veronika , Baumann Nicola
Published: March 2015

Previous research showed that failure primes in academic learning contexts can impair the performance of both older school children and college students. The present research tested the effect of failure priming on cognitive and motor performance in elementary school children. We hypothesized that children incidentally confronted with a cue previously learned to indicate failure would perform worse on a cognitive task (Study 1, N = 54 second-graders) and a motor task (Study 2, N = 60 third-graders) than children confronted with a cue indicating success or children in a control group. The results showed that the failure prime group performed worse than the success prime group on an intelligence test (Study 1) and a ball-throwing exercise (Study 2). Neither experimental group differed from the control group. Our studies confirmed previous findings, showing that failure primes can be learned early in life and quickly (e.g., 1 year of failure prime exposure, Study 1). Furthermore, even a one-trial learning process (Study 2) suffices to turn an inherently neutral cue into a failure prime. This failure prime, in turn, can impair different types of performance such as cognitive and motor performance.
Anforderungen an die Behandlung von Migrantenkindern aus Sicht niedergelassener und leitender Ärzte für Kinder- und Jugendpsychiatrie
Authors: Siefen Georg , Kirkcaldy Bruce , Adam Hubertus , Schepker Renate
Published: March 2015

Fragestellung: Wie reagiert das kinder- und jugendpsychiatrische Versorgungssystem in Deutschland auf die steigende Zahl von Kindern und Jugendlichen mit Migrationshintergrund? Methodik: Mit einem weiterentwickelten Fragebogen für psychiatrische Kliniken wurden leitende Ärzte kinder- und jugendpsychiatrischer Kliniken über die Bundesarbeitsgemeinschaft der Leitenden Klinikärzte für Kinder- und Jugendpsychiatrie, Psychosomatik und Psychotherapie (BAG) nach Bedingungen und Entwicklungsmöglichkeiten der Versorgung von Migrantenkindern und -jugendlichen befragt. Außerdem erhielt eine «random representative» Stichprobe niedergelassener Kinder- und Jugendpsychiater über den Berufsverband für Kinder- und Jugendpsychiatrie, Psychosomatik und Psychotherapie in Deutschland e. V. (BKJPP) einen adaptierten Bogen. Ergebnisse: Mit 100 Kinder- und Jugendpsychiatern in eigener Praxis wurden nur etwa 1/8 der Niedergelassenen aber mit 55 Leitenden Ärzten 1/3 und damit eine repräsentative Stichprobe der Chefärzte kinder- und jugendpsychiatrischer Kliniken und Tageskliniken befragt. Jede dritte Klinik hat migrantenspezifische Angebote. In Klinik und Praxis werden zu selten kompetente Dolmetscher eingesetzt. Behandlungsprobleme bei Migrantenkindern und -jugendlichen ergeben sich aus dem Krankheitsverständnis der Eltern, des Patienten und sprachlichen Verständigungsproblemen. Kulturelle Vielfalt wird als bereichernd wahrgenommen. Migrationshintergrund und Gender der Kinder- und Jugendpsychiater beeinflussen die Migrantenbehandlung. Schlussfolgerungen: Durch konkrete Schritte wie die Finanzierung von Dolmetscherkosten müssen der Prozess der «kulturellen Öffnung» unterstützt und die Versorgung von Migrantenkindern und -jugendlichen weiter verbessert werden.
Analysts Examine Energy Security in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Showstack Randy
Published: March 2015

Resource-rich African countries face economic challenges with the recent drop in oil prices.
Elastic constants of fibrous polymer composite materials reinforced with transversely isotropic fibers
Authors: Venetis J. , Sideridis E.
Published: March 2015

In this paper, a model to find the approximate equations for determining the elastic constants of unidirectional fiber – reinforced composite materials in terms of the constituent material properties is described. The novelty of this work is that the fibers are considered to be transversely isotropic. To simulate the microstructure of the composite, we will take into account the concept of interphase with the concurrent assumption that the fibers are parallel to the line formed by the centers of the bases of a three – phase cylinder model, having a uniform distribution inside the matrix without agglomeration. The results were compared with the respective values of some reliable theoretical models as well as with experimental data obtained from other researchers, and they were found to be in reasonable agreement.
Community participation in biofilm matrix assembly and function
Authors: Mitchell Kaitlin F. , Zarnowski Robert , Sanchez Hiram , Edward Jessica A. , Reinicke Emily L. , Nett Jeniel E. , Mitchell Aaron P. , Andes David R.
Published: March 2015

Significance

Candida albicans
is the most common fungal pathogen and frequently grows as a biofilm. These adherent communities tolerate extremely high concentrations of antifungals due in large part to the protective extracellular matrix. The present studies observe a novel reliance on multiple matrix constituents for structure and function. Furthermore, the results demonstrate how the biofilm community assembles these matrix components in the extracellular space. Our findings reveal a coordinated mechanism by which the defining trait of the biofilm lifestyle arises and identify a number of potential therapeutic targets.
Myosin VI regulates gene pairing and transcriptional pause release in T cells
Authors: Zorca Cornelia E. , Kim Lark Kyun , Kim Yoon Jung , Krause Matthew R. , Zenklusen Daniel , Spilianakis Charalampos G. , Flavell Richard A.
Published: March 2015

Significance

Our study examines an important aspect of adaptive immunity, namely, the process of effector T-cell activation, which leads to the enhanced expression of lineage-specific cytokine genes upon T-cell receptor (TCR) re-engagement. We found that the
TNF
locus undergoes TCR-induced homologous allelic pairing, which correlates with biallelic expression and requires a molecular motor, myosin VI. Furthermore, we identified a role for myosin VI in mediating the transition of RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) from pausing to productive elongation at cytokine and other related loci. We propose that homologous pairing and RNAPII pause release ensure a rapid and synchronous transcriptional response in effector T cells following antigen re-exposure.
VisualCNA: a GUI for interactive constraint network analysis and protein engineering for improving thermostability
Authors: Rathi Prakash Chandra , Mulnaes Daniel , Gohlke Holger
Published: March 2015

Summary: Constraint network analysis (CNA) is a graph theory-based rigidity analysis approach for linking a biomolecule’s structure, flexibility, (thermo)stability and function. Results from CNA are highly information-rich and require intuitive, synchronized and interactive visualization for a comprehensive analysis. We developed VisualCNA, an easy-to-use PyMOL plug-in that allows setup of CNA runs and analysis of CNA results linking plots with molecular graphics representations. From a practical viewpoint, the most striking feature of VisualCNA is that it facilitates interactive protein engineering aimed at improving thermostability.

Availability and Implementation: VisualCNA and its dependencies (CNA and FIRST software) are available free of charge under GPL and academic licenses, respectively. VisualCNA and CNA are available at http://cpclab.uni-duesseldorf.de/software; FIRST is available at http://flexweb.asu.edu.

Contact:  gohlke@uni-duesseldorf.de
Success criteria for electronic medical record implementations in low-resource settings: a systematic review
Authors: Fritz Fleur , Tilahun Binyam , Dugas Martin
Published: March 2015

Objective Electronic medical record (EMR) systems have the potential of supporting clinical work by providing the right information at the right time to the right people and thus make efficient use of resources. This is especially important in low-resource settings where reliable data are also needed to support public health and local supporting organizations. In this systematic literature review, our objectives are to identify and collect literature about success criteria of EMR implementations in low-resource settings and to summarize them into recommendations.

Materials and Methods Our search strategy relied on PubMed queries and manual bibliography reviews. Studies were included if EMR implementations in low-resource settings were described. The extracted success criteria and measurements were summarized into 7 categories: ethical, financial, functionality, organizational, political, technical, and training.

Results We collected 381 success criteria with 229 measurements from 47 articles out of 223 articles.

Most papers were evaluations or lessons learned from African countries, published from 1999 to 2013. Almost half of the EMR systems served a specific disease area like human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The majority of criteria that were reported dealt with the functionality, followed by organizational issues, and technical infrastructures. Sufficient training and skilled personnel were mentioned in roughly 10%. Political, ethical, and financial considerations did not play a predominant role. More evaluations based on reliable frameworks are needed.

Conclusions Highly reliable data handling methods, human resources and effective project management, as well as technical architecture and infrastructure are all key factors for successful EMR implementation.
Standard for improving emergency information interoperability: the HL7 data elements for emergency department systems
Authors: McClay James C , Park Peter J , Janczewski Mark G , Langford Laura Heermann
Published: March 2015

Background Emergency departments in the United States service over 130 million visits per year. The demands for information from these visits require interoperable data exchange standards. While multiple data exchange specifications are in use, none have undergone rigorous standards review. This paper describes the creation and balloting of the Health Level Seven (HL7) Data Elements for Emergency Department Systems (DEEDS).

Methods Existing data exchange specifications were collected and organized into categories reflecting the workflow of emergency care. The concepts were then mapped to existing standards for vocabulary, data types, and the HL7 information model. The HL7 community then processed the specification through the normal balloting process addressing all comments and concerns. The resulting specification was then submitted for publication as an HL7 informational standard.

Results The resulting specification contains 525 concepts related to emergency care required for operations and reporting to external agencies. An additional 200 of the most commonly ordered laboratory tests were included. Each concept was given a unique identifier and mapped to Logical Observation Identifiers, Names, and Codes (LOINC). HL7 standard data types were applied.

Discussion The HL7 DEEDS specification represents the first set of common ED related data elements to undergo rigorous standards development. The availability of this standard will contribute to improved interoperability of emergency care data.
Feasibility and acceptability of a remotely administered computerized intervention to address cognitive late effects among childhood cancer survivors
Authors: Cox Lauren E. , Ashford Jason M. , Clark Kellie N. , Martin-Elbahesh Karen , Hardy Kristina K. , Merchant Thomas E. , Ogg Robert J. , Jeha Sima , Willard Victoria W. , Huang Lu , Zhang Hui , Conklin Heather M.
Published: March 2015

Background

Childhood cancer survivors frequently develop working memory (WM) deficits as a result of disease and treatment. Medication-based and therapist-delivered interventions are promising but have limitations. Computerized interventions completed at home may be more appealing for survivors. We evaluated the feasibility and acceptability of a remotely administered, computerized WM intervention (Cogmed) for pediatric cancer survivors using a single-blind, randomized, wait-list control design.

Methods

Of 80 qualifying patients, 12 were excluded or declined to participate. Participants randomized to intervention (n = 34/68) included survivors of childhood brain tumors (32%) or acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL; 68%) between the ages of 8 and 16 years (x¯ = 12.2) who were at least 1 year post therapy (x¯ = 5.0). The majority of brain tumor participants were treated with cranial radiation therapy (72.7%), whereas most of the ALL participants were treated with chemotherapy only (87%). Participants completed 25 WM training sessions over 5–9 weeks at home with weekly phone-based coaching.

Results

Participants lived in 16 states. Compliance was strong, with 30 of the 34 participants (88%) completing intervention. Almost all participants completed pre- and postintervention neuroimaging exams (91% and 93%, respectively). Families had the necessary skills to utilize the computer program successfully. Caregivers reported they were generally able to find time to complete training (63%), viewed training as beneficial (70%), and would recommend this intervention to others (93%).

Conclusions

Cogmed is a feasible and acceptable intervention for childhood cancer survivors. It is a viable option for survivors who do not live in close proximity to cancer care centers. Efficacy and neural correlates of change are currently being evaluated.
Adherence to Antihypertensive Medication in Older Adults With Hypertension
Authors: Lo Suzanne H. S. , Chau Janita P. C. , Woo Jean , Thompson David R. , Choi Kai Chow
Published: March 2015

Background/Objectives:

Effective prevention of cardiovascular events in people with hypertension requires optimal control of blood pressure. Despite advances in management, poor adherence to antihypertensive medications is often reported as the major reason attenuating treatment efficacy. Research has provided limited evidence of associations between illness perceptions, satisfaction with consultations, and medication adherence. The aim of this study is to identify factors significantly associated with medication adherence in a group of Chinese older adults with essential hypertension.

Design/Setting/Participants:

A cross-sectional correlational study was conducted. Data were collected from 195 older adults (mean [SD] age, 76 [6.6] years) recruited from 12 community centers.

Measurements:

The Illness Perception Questionnaire–Revised was used to measure illness perceptions, and the Medical Interview Satisfaction Scale was used to measure satisfaction with individual consultations. The Morisky Medication Adherence Scale was used to measure the extent of adherence to antihypertensive medications. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to examine factors, including illness perceptions, consultation satisfaction, and demographic and clinical characteristics, that were significantly associated with medication adherence.

Results:

More than half of the respondents (55.9%) acknowledged some degree of medication nonadherence. Older age, living alone, and perception related to treatment control were independently associated with increased odds of medication adherence, with odds ratios ranging from 1.14 to 1.92 (P < .05).

Conclusion:

The results highlight the importance of cultivating positive beliefs that hypertension is amenable to control by treatment. Furthermore, the adherence behavior of those of younger individuals and living with family should be closely monitored.
Influence of Gender and Age on the Peripheral Immune Response in Stroke
Authors: Ross Amy Miner , Lee Christopher S. , Lutsep Helmi
Published: March 2015

Background:

Women and men have unique stroke risk factors and can experience different poststroke infections.

Objective:

The aim of this study is to determine the influence of gender, age, and risk factors on the peripheral immune response in stroke/transient ischemic attack (TIA).

Method:

A total of 192 adult acute stroke/TIA cases were analyzed for age, gender, risk factors for stroke/TIA, and white blood cell with differential count. χ
2 Test and analysis of variance were conducted to test for differences between genders and age groups related to stroke risk factors and the immune response. Growth modeling was used to test for trended differences in the immune response.

Results:

Women were 4 years older than men; fewer women had strokes in the younger age group (<79 years) and more men currently smoked. Trended lymphocyte percentages for the young and old (slope, P = .04; pattern, P = .02) and admission monocyte percentages by gender were significantly different (P = .01).

Conclusions:

Age influenced trended lymphocyte numbers and gender influenced monocyte percentage on admission.
Facilitators and Barriers of Heart Surgery Discharge
Authors: Lapum Jennifer L. , Fredericks Suzanne , Liu Linda , Yau Terrence M. , Retta Bruktawit , Jones Vaska M. , Hume Sarah
Published: March 2015

Background:

Optimal patient recovery from open-heart surgery relies on effective discharge planning and education. However, the nature of the discharge experience has not been clearly described.

Objective:

The study purpose is to explore patients’ and nurses’ narrative accounts of the facilitators and barriers of heart surgery discharge.

Methods:

A qualitative study was employed using a narrative methodology that elicited and analyzed stories. This research was conducted in a large, urban hospital in Ontario, Canada. A total of 17 patients and nurses were recruited. Five female and 5 male patients were recruited from a preoperative clinic. Ages ranged from 37 to 80 years. Seven nurses were recruited from inpatient cardiovascular units. They had 2 to 19 years of cardiovascular nursing experience. Semistructured, narrative-based interviews were conducted. Two interviews were conducted with each patient at 1 week after discharge and at 4 to 6 weeks. One interview was conducted with each nurse.

Results:

Findings indicate that although the preoperative period was identified as an effective time for discharge preparation, the patient’s cognitive capacity was limited during the postoperative phase of surgery. Both nurses and patients also found that insufficient time impeded the discharge process and limited individualized discussions. The structured and standardized delivery of discharge information affected patients’ capacity to apply it to the particularities in their own lives and homes. The fostering of therapeutic relationships created a space where patients felt comfortable sharing their concerns and nurses learned more about patients and thus could better tailor the discharge approach.

Conclusions:

Study recommendations include group and scenario-based education in which patients and nurses brainstorm about how to apply the discharge information to the particularities of patients’ lives and homes. Provision of support needs to be bolstered during the home period, where patients have timely opportunities to discuss their concerns and questions with practitioners or possibly peers.
A Descriptive Analysis of Changes in Selected Drug Groups Available to Primary Care Physicians in Israel From 2000 to 2013
Authors: Treister-Goltzman Yulia , Peleg Roni
Published: March 2015

Several medical and economic factors affect the process of development and introduction of new drugs and the disappearance of various medical agents from the drug market. There are no data in the existing literature on quantitative and qualitative changes in the drug market. We assessed changes in the drug market in Israel over 14 years, focusing on drug groups that, in our subjective opinion, are mainly used in primary care medicine: pain medications, lipid lowering agents, drugs for diabetes, and antihypertensives. We assessed volume of drugs and changes and trends in terms of therapeutic efficacy and safety in selected drugs in each of the groups over the study time period. We used the Medic Compendium for the analyses. Medic contains a listing of drugs that are approved and available for use in Israel. It is updated every 2 months. In 2000, there were 253 available drugs in the study groups that contained 124 active agents. In contrast, in 2013, there were 278 available drugs that contained 130 active agents. Over the study years, there was an increase in the number of drugs that are effective, “user friendly,” and have a high safety profile. Our study provides the first data on quantitative and qualitative changes that have taken place in selected groups of drugs. Although the availability of the drugs in different countries is determined by multiple factors, we assumed that there are other countries with a similar situation in terms of their drug markets.
Clopidogrel-Associated Neutropenia: Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Wu Chia-Wei , Wu Yee-Jen , Wu Chien-Chih
Published: March 2015

Clopidogrel is a second generation of thienopyridine, which has antiplatelet effect by inhibiting P2Y12 receptor. Hematologic adverse effect is very uncommon during clopidogrel use, but some cases of clopidogrel-associated neutropenia were reported in the past decade. Until now, there was no summary data to delineate the clinical course and safe alternatives of this event. We report 2 cases of clopidogrel-associated neutropenia and review other 10 case reports from 2000 to 2014. The median onset of neutropenia was 22 days, and the recovery time was 4 days after receiving granulocyte-colony-stimulating factor. Bone marrow studies in 6 cases all showed hypocellular or toxic damage. Six cases used cilostazol, prasugrel, or ticagrelor as safe alternatives. Closely monitoring blood cell counts is highly suggested in the first month after using clopidogrel. Newer P2Y12 inhibitors, especially ticagrelor, could be effective and safe alternatives if patients had a history of clopidogrel-associated neutropenia.
The Barley Powdery Mildew Candidate Secreted Effector Protein CSEP0105 Inhibits the Chaperone Activity of a Small Heat Shock Protein
Authors: Ahmed Ali Abdurehim , Pedersen Carsten , Schultz-Larsen Torsten , Kwaaitaal Mark , Jørgensen Hans Jørgen Lyngs , Thordal-Christensen Hans
Published: March 2015

Pathogens secrete effector proteins to establish a successful interaction with their host. Here, we describe two barley (Hordeum vulgare) powdery mildew candidate secreted effector proteins, CSEP0105 and CSEP0162, which contribute to pathogen success and appear to be required during or after haustorial formation. Silencing of either CSEP using host-induced gene silencing significantly reduced the fungal haustorial formation rate. Interestingly, both CSEPs interact with the barley small heat shock proteins, Hsp16.9 and Hsp17.5, in a yeast two-hybrid assay. Small heat shock proteins are known to stabilize several intracellular proteins, including defense-related signaling components, through their chaperone activity. CSEP0105 and CSEP0162 localized to the cytosol and the nucleus of barley epidermal cells, whereas Hsp16.9 and Hsp17.5 are cytosolic. Intriguingly, only those specific CSEPs changed localization and became restricted to the cytosol when coexpressed with Hsp16.9 and Hsp17.5, confirming the CSEP-small heat shock protein interaction. As predicted, Hsp16.9 showed chaperone activity, as it could prevent the aggregation of Escherichia coli proteins during thermal stress. Remarkably, CSEP0105 compromised this activity. These data suggest that CSEP0105 promotes virulence by interfering with the chaperone activity of a barley small heat shock protein essential for defense and stress responses.
Interpreting immunological indices: The importance of taking parasite community into account. An example in blackbirdsTurdus merula
Authors: Biard Clotilde , Monceau Karine , Motreuil Sébastien , Moreau Jérôme
Published: March 2015

Despite the intensive use of immune indices in immunoecology, whether to interpret the results of immune indices in terms of actual immune competence (i.e. ability to control and clear parasite infections as indicated by high values of immune indices associated with low parasite loads) or current immune activation (pathogenic infection being associated with high parasite load and high values of immune indices) is still an open question. Most studies to date have produced contrasting results focused on the effect of a single parasite species despite the fact that hosts usually harbour a community of parasites that influences one another's impact on host immune response.

We simultaneously assessed blood parasites, intestinal parasites and ectoparasite loads in male blackbirds and compared these measures to several immune indices to investigate how parasites explain the variation around the mean of these immune indices.

Parasite loads covaried within hosts. Immune indices better reflected the interacting effects of these parasites than their independent effect. Immune indices may therefore be better indicators of ongoing pathogenic infections than immunocompetence. Furthermore, intestinal parasites explained a significant part of the variance in most immune indices through their interactions with other parasites, suggesting that they have a strong influence in modulating immune function.

Taking the parasite community into account in immunoecology studies will certainly help increase our understanding of immune indices.