bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ginseng treatment attenuates autophagic cell death in chronic cyclosporine nephropathy
Authors: Lim Sun Woo , Doh Kyoung Chan , Jin Long , Jin Jian , Piao Shang Guo , Heo Seong Beom , Chung Byung Ha , Yang Chul Woo
Published: May 2014

Aims

Chronic cyclosporine (CsA) treatment induces autophagic cell death characterized by excessive autophagosome formation and decreased autophagic clearance. In this study, we evaluated the influence of ginseng treatment on autophagy in chronic CsA nephropathy.

Methods

Mice were treated with CsA (30 mg/kg) with or without Korean red ginseng (KRG) extract (0.2, 0.4 g/kg) for 4 weeks. The effect of KRG on CsA‐induced autophagosome formation was measured using phospholipid‐conjugated form of LC3‐II, beclin‐1, and autophagic vacuoles were visualized with electron microscopy. Autophagic clearance was evaluated by accumulation of p62/sequestosome 1 (p62) and ubiquitin, then double immunolabeling for p62 and either LC3‐II or ubiquitin. To demonstrate the association between the effects of KRG treatment on autophagy and apoptosis, double immunolabelling for LC3‐II and active caspase‐3 was performed. Multiple autophagy pathways were also examined.

Results

KRG co‐treatment significantly decreased the expression of LC3‐II, beclin‐1, and the number of autophagic vacuoles compared with the CsA group, and these changes were accompanied by improvements in renal dysfunction and fibrosis. CsA‐induced accumulation of p62 and ubiquitin was also decreased by KRG treatment, and these proteins were colocalized with LC3‐II and with each other. KRG treatment simultaneously reduced the expression of both active caspase‐3 and LC3‐II in the injured area. KRG treatment during chronic CsA nephropathy induced the expression of AKT/mTOR, which is a pathway that inhibits autophagy, and reduced AMPK expression.

Conclusion

Ginseng treatment attenuated CsA‐induced excessive autophagosome formation and autophagic aggregates. These findings suggest that ginseng has a renoprotective effect against CsA‐induced autophagic cell death.
A cross‐sectional investigation of depressive, anxiety, and stress symptoms and health‐behavior participation in Australian university students
Authors: Lovell Geoff P. , Nash Kim , Sharman Rachael , Lane Ben R.
Published: May 2014

Transitioning to university involves a major life change that can have implications for physical and mental health. This study had three objectives: first, assess the mental health and health‐behavior participation of Australian university students; second, evaluate clustering of health behaviors; and third, examine how mental health relates to health behaviors. University students (n = 751) enrolled at an Australian regional university completed an online survey containing the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scales and a health‐behavior questionnaire. Over one‐third of students reported mild or higher mental illness symptoms and most reported engaging in multiple unhealthy behaviors. Furthermore, mental health was associated with unhealthy behaviors. For males, depressive symptoms were associated with skipping breakfast and poor sleep quality. For females, depressive symptoms were associated with skipping breakfast, inadequate vigorous physical activity, and short or long sleep hours. Stress symptoms in females were associated with healthy sleep hours, but poor sleep quality. Future research may consider whether an intervention targeting one or two key health behaviors has utility in improving participation in other health behaviors and mental health.
A role for LATERAL ORGAN BOUNDARIES‐DOMAIN 16 during the interaction Arabidopsis–Meloidogyne spp. provides a molecular link between lateral root and root‐knot nematode feeding site development
Authors: Cabrera Javier , Díaz‐Manzano Fernando E. , Sanchez María , Rosso Marie‐Noëlle , Melillo Teresa , Goh Tatsuaki , Fukaki Hidehiro , Cabello Susana , Hofmann Julia , Fenoll Carmen , Escobar Carolina
Published: May 2014

Plant endoparasitic nematodes induce the formation of their feeding cells by injecting effectors from the esophageal glands into root cells. Although vascular cylinder cells seem to be involved in the formation of root‐knot nematode (RKN) feeding structures, molecular evidence is scarce. We address the role during gall development of LATERAL ORGAN BOUNDARIES‐DOMAIN 16 (LBD16), a key component of the auxin pathway leading to the divisions in the xylem pole pericycle (XPP) for lateral root (LR) formation.

Arabidopsis T‐DNA tagged J0192 and J0121 XPP marker lines, LBD16 and DR5::GUS promoter lines, and isolated J0192 protoplasts were assayed for nematode‐dependent gene expression. Infection tests in LBD16 knock‐out lines were used for functional analysis.

J0192 and J0121 lines were activated in early developing galls and giant cells (GCs), resembling the pattern of the G2/M‐transition specific ProCycB1;1:CycB1;1(NT)‐GUS line. LBD16 was regulated by auxins in galls as in LRs, and induced by RKN secretions. LBD16 loss of function mutants and a transgenic line with defective XPP cells showed a significantly reduced infection rate.

The results show that genes expressed in the dividing XPP, particularly LBD16, are important for gall formation, as they are for LR development.
Relative in vitro growth rates of duckweeds (Lemnaceae) – the most rapidly growing higher plants
Authors: Ziegler P. , Adelmann K. , Zimmer S. , Schmidt C. , Appenroth K.‐J.
Published: May 2014

Relative growth rates (RGR), doubling times (DT) and relative weekly yields (RY) of 39 clones (ecotypes) from 13 species representing all five genera of duckweeds were determined under standardised cultivation conditions. RGR ranged overall from 0.153 to 0.519 day−1, DT from 1.34 to 4.54 days and RY from 2.9 to 37.8 week−1. The RGR and RY data can be compared directly to other published findings to only a limited extent on account of missing clonal designations for and limited accessibility to previously investigated clones, as well as the use of different data denominators. However, they are consistent with the published results of other comparative duckweed studies of similar scope in showing that RGR does not vary primarily at the level of the genus or species, but rather reflects the adaptation of individual clones to specific local conditions. The RGR data support the widely held assumption that duckweeds can grow faster than other higher plants and that they can thus surpass land‐based agricultural crops in productivity. Duckweeds are highly promising for the production of biomass for nutrition and energy, but extensive clonal comparison will be required to identify the most suitable isolates for this purpose.
Novel bronchoscopic strategies for the diagnosis of peripheral lung lesions: Present techniques and future directions
Authors: Gilbert Christopher , Akulian Jason , Amador Ricardo O. , Lee Hans , Yarmus Lonny
Published: May 2014

The diagnosis of the peripheral lung lesion has been a long‐standing clinical challenge—balancing accuracy with patient safety. With recent data revealing mortality benefits with lung cancer screening via low‐dose computed tomography, now more than ever, clinicians will be challenged with the task of providing the means to provide a safe and minimally invasive method of obtaining accurate tissue diagnostics for the pulmonary nodule. In this review, we present available technologies to aid clinicians in attempts at minimally invasive techniques and the data supporting their use. In addition, we review novel tools under investigation that may further increase yield and provide additional benefit in obtaining an early diagnosis of lung cancer.
Discriminative and predictive properties of multidimensional prognostic indices of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A validation study in Taiwanese patients
Authors: Ou Chih‐Ying , Chen Chiung‐Zuei , Yu Chun‐Hsiang , Shiu Chih‐Hui , Hsiue Tzuen‐Ren
Published: May 2014

Background and objective

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a pulmonary disease with systemic involvement. Several multidimensional indices have been developed to predict long‐term outcomes. However, these indices have not been compared and validated in Taiwanese patients with COPD.

Methods

A prospective, observational, hospital‐based study was designed, and a total of 621 patients were recruited from May 2006 to December 2011. Patients followed at least 1 year were enrolled and 594 patients eligible for inclusion. Three prognostic indices—the ADO (age, dyspnoea and airflow obstruction), BODEx (body mass index, airflow obstruction, dyspnoea and exacerbations), and CPI (the COPD Prognostic Index)—were validated and the predictive power of each was analysed.

Results

The median follow‐up of the 594 patients was 33 months (range 1–72 months), and the mortality rate was 19.2% (114 deaths). All indices were significantly predictive for all‐cause mortality in our validation cohort. Furthermore, the C statistics of the three indices, indicating their predictive accuracy, were all >0.7 (area under the curve of the CPI 0.718, P < 0.001, ADO 0.702, P < 0.001, BODEx 0.702, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

ADO, BODEx and CPI scores are useful predictors of all‐cause mortality with significantly discriminative properties in Taiwanese patients with COPD.
Alteration in neuromuscular function of the plantar flexors following caffeine ingestion
Authors: Behrens Martin , Mau‐Moeller Anett , Heise Sandra , Skripitz Ralf , Bader Rainer , Bruhn Sven
Published: May 2014

The aim of this study was to compare the neuromuscular function of the plantar flexors following caffeine or placebo administration. Thirteen subjects (25 ± 3 years) ingested caffeine or placebo in a randomized, controlled, counterbalanced, double‐blind crossover design. Neuromuscular tests were performed before and 1 h after caffeine or placebo intake. During neuromuscular testing, rate of torque development, isometric maximum voluntary torque, and neural drive to the muscles were measured. Triceps surae muscle activation was assessed by normalized root mean square of the EMG signal during the initial phase of contraction (0–100 ms, 100–200 ms) and maximal voluntary contraction (MVC). Furthermore, evoked spinal reflex responses of the soleus muscle (H‐reflex evoked at rest and during MVC, V‐wave) and peak twitch torques were evaluated. The isometric maximum voluntary torque and evoked potentials were not different. However, we found a significant difference between groups for rate of torque development in the time intervals 0–100 ms [41.1 N·m/s (95% CI: 8.3–73.9 N·m/s, P = 0.016)] and 100–200 ms [32.8 N·m/s (95% CI: 2.8–62.8 N·m/s, P = 0.034)]. These changes were accompanied by enhanced neural drive to the plantar flexors. Data suggest that caffeine solely increased explosive voluntary strength of the triceps surae because of enhanced neural activation at the onset of contraction whereas MVC strength was not affected.
The Trade Competitiveness of Southern Emerging Economies: A Multidimensional Approach Through Cluster Analysis
Authors: Montalbano Pierluigi , Nenci Silvia
Published: May 2014

This paper investigates the trade competitiveness of the new emerging Southern economies – China, India, Brazil and South Africa (CIBS) – with respect to their main global partners. Starting from the commonly held view that countries with trade patterns similar to those of emerging countries are likely to suffer losses, we propose a multidimensional approach based on cluster analysis, both crisp and fuzzy, as an alternative strategy for assessing similarity in global trade patterns. On the basis of key trade characteristics drawn from the diverse strands of trade theory, we assess the relative position of CIBS within global trade patterns and their evolution over time. Unlike previous studies, our results do not support the hypothesis of the presence of a competitiveness threat from Southern emerging countries towards the main industrialised economies.
Effect of synthetic colloid administration on hemodynamic and laboratory variables in healthy dogs and dogs with systemic inflammation
Authors: Gauthier Vincent , Holowaychuk Marie K. , Kerr Carolyn L. , Bersenas Alexa M.E. , Wood R. Darren
Published: May 2014

Objective

To compare the effects of administering equal volumes of isotonic crystalloids and synthetic colloids on hemodynamic and laboratory variables in healthy dogs and dogs with systemic inflammation.

Design

Randomized, placebo‐controlled, blinded study.

Setting

Comparative clinical research facility.

Animals

Sixteen adult purpose‐bred Beagles.

Interventions

Dogs were first randomized to receive either lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 5 μg/kg, IV) or an equal volume of placebo (0.9% NaCl, IV). Dogs were then randomized into 1 of 2 groups receiving fluid resuscitation with either 40 mL/kg IV isotonic crystalloid (0.9% NaCl) or synthetic colloid (tetrastarch). After a 14‐day washout, the study was repeated such that dogs received the opposite treatment (LPS or placebo) and the same resuscitation fluid regimen. Vital signs (heart rate (HR), oscillometric blood pressure) were measured and blood samples were collected for PCV, total plasma protein (TPP), serum lactate concentration, and colloid osmotic pressure (COP) measurements.

Measurements and Main Results

Healthy (placebo) dogs had similar decreases in PCV and TPP after administration of either fluid. Tetrastarch administration was associated with a larger increase in HR, systolic blood pressure, and mean blood pressure. Dogs with systemic inflammation had similar increases in systolic blood pressure and decreases in PCV, TPP, and lactate after administration of either fluid. Tetrastarch administration caused greater immediate increase in HR and mean blood pressure compared to 0.9% NaCl. In all dogs, 0.9% NaCl administration decreased COP and tetrastarch administration increased COP.

Conclusions

Resuscitation with equal volumes of 0.9% NaCl and tetrastarch caused similar changes in hemodynamic and laboratory variables in dogs with LPS‐induced systemic inflammation; however, larger increases in HR and blood pressure were seen within the first 2 hours following tetrastarch administration compared to 0.9% NaCl. Tetrastarch administration increased COP in all dogs, despite a decrease in TPP.
A New Structural Stiffness Model for Bump-Type Foil Bearings: Application to Generation II Gas Lubricated Foil Thrust Bearing
Authors: Gad Abdelrasoul M. , Kaneko Shigehiko
Published: May 2014

A new structural stiffness model for the compliant structure in foil gas bearings is introduced in the first part of this work. The model investigates the possibility that the flat segment between bumps, in bump foil strip, may deflect laterally and separate from the rigid bearing surface, and it also considers the interaction between bumps in the bump foil strip, the friction between the bump foil, and the surrounding structure. The validity of the analytical solution was verified through direct comparison with previous numerical and analytical models. In the second part of this work, the introduced bump foil model is used to investigate the static characteristics of generation II gas foil thrust bearing. The numerical simulations of the coupled fluid-structure interactions revealed that the foil thrust bearings share many features with their rigid bearing counterpart and the results showed clearly that the load carrying capacity of foil thrust bearings increases nonlinearly with the rotation speed and is expected to reach an asymptote as the rotation speed exceeds a certain value. The effects of ramp height and interface friction (i.e., friction at bump foil/rigid bearing interface and bump foil/top foil interface) on the static characteristics of generation II foil thrust bearings are investigated.
Comparison of a Mobile Technology Application With the Balance Error Scoring System
Authors: Patterson Jeremy A. , Amick Ryan Z. , Pandya Priyanka D. , Hakansson Nils , Jorgensen Michael J.
Published: May 2014

Context:

The most widely used method for postural balance assessment relies on the subjective observations of a test administrator. Accelerometry has been shown to provide a valid and reliable method for assessment of balance, and recent advances in microelectromechanical systems have made the technology available in mobile electronic devices.

Objective:

To compare a mobile technology application with a commonly used subjective balance assessment.

Setting:

Biomechanics laboratory.

Participants:

Twenty-one nonathlete college-aged individuals (7 men, 14 women; mean age 23 ± 3 years) volunteered to participate. Subjects were excluded if they reported any preexisting condition that might affect postural balance.

Results:

A strong inverse correlation was found between the scores for the two balance assessment methods (r = -.767, p < .01).

Conclusions:

Advances in technology have provided an attractive means to objectively quantify postural balance with off-the-shelf mobile consumer electronic devices.
Professional Team Sport and Twitter: Gratifications Sought and Obtained by Followers
Authors: Gibbs Chris , O’Reilly Norm , Brunette Michelle
Published: May 2014

Without exception, all professional sport teams in North America use social media to communicate with fans. Sport communication professionals use Twitter as one of the strategic tools of engagement, yet there remains a lack of understanding about how users are motivated and gratified in their Twitter use. Drawing on a specific sample from the Twitter followers of the Canadian Football League, the researchers used semistructured in-depth interviews, content analysis, and an online survey to seek an understanding of what motivates and satisfies Twitter followers of professional sport teams, measured through the gratifications sought and the fulfillment of these motives through the perceived gratifications obtained. The results add to the sport communications literature by finding 4 primary gratifications sought by Twitter users: interaction, promotion, live game updates, and news. Professional sport teams can improve strategic fan engagement by better understanding how Twitter followers use and seek gratification in the social-media experience.
Serum Metabolites Related to Cardiorespiratory Fitness, Physical Activity Energy Expenditure, Sedentary Time and Vigorous Activity
Authors: Wientzek Angelika , Floegel Anna , Knüppel Sven , Vigl Matthaeus , Drogan Dagmar , Adamski Jerzy , Pischon Tobias , Boeing Heiner
Published: May 2014

The aim of our study was to investigate the relationship between objectively measured physical activity (PA) and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and serum metabolites measured by targeted metabolomics in a population- based study. A total of 100 subjects provided 2 fasting blood samples and engaged in a CRF and PA measurement at 2 visits 4 months apart. CRF was estimated from a step test, whereas physical activity energy expenditure (PAEE), time spent sedentary and time spend in vigorous activity were measured by a combined heart rate and movement sensor for a total of 8 days. Serum metabolite concentrations were determined by flow injection analysis tandem mass spectrometry (FIA-MS/MS). Linear mixed models were applied with multivariable adjustment and p-values were corrected for multiple testing. Furthermore, we explored the associations between CRF, PA and two metabolite factors that have previously been linked to risk of Type 2 diabetes. CRF was associated with two phosphatidylcholine clusters independently of all other exposures. Lysophosphatidylcholine C14:0 and methionine were significantly negatively associated with PAEE and sedentary time. CRF was positively associated with the Type 2 diabetes protective factor. Vigorous activity was positively associated with the Type 2 diabetes risk factor in the mutually adjusted model. Our results suggest that CRF and PA are associated with serum metabolites, especially CRF with phosphatidylcholines and with the Type 2 diabetes protective factor. PAEE and sedentary time were associated with methionine. The identified metabolites could be potential mediators of the protective effects of CRF and PA on chronic disease risk.
Iron Regulation in Athletes: Exploring the Menstrual Cycle and Effects of Different Exercise Modalities on Hepcidin Production
Authors: Sim Marc , Dawson Brian , Landers Grant , Trinder Debbie , Peeling Peter
Published: May 2014

The trace element iron plays a number of crucial physiological roles within the body. Despite its importance, iron deficiency remains a common problem among athletes. As an individual’s iron stores become depleted, it can affect their well-being and athletic capacity. Recently, altered iron metabolism in athletes has been attributed to postexercise increases in the iron regulatory hormone hepcidin, which has been reported to be upregulated by exercise-induced increases in the inflammatory cytokine interleukin-6. As such, when hepcidin levels are elevated, iron absorption and recycling may be compromised. To date, however, most studies have explored the acute postexercise hepcidin response, with limited research seeking to minimize/attenuate these increases. This review summarizes the current knowledge regarding the postexercise hepcidin response under a variety of exercise scenarios and highlights potential areas for future research—such as: a) the use of hormones though the female oral contraceptive pill to manipulate the postexercise hepcidin response, b) comparing the use of different exercise modes (e.g., cycling vs. running) on hepcidin regulation.
Ultramarathon Run Markedly Reduces Plasma Sphingosine-1-phosphate Concentration
Authors: Baranowski Marcin , Górski Jan , Klapcinska Barbara , Waskiewicz Zbigniew , Sadowska-Krepa Ewa
Published: May 2014

We have previously shown that acute exercise increases the level of sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) in plasma and ceramide in erythrocytes of untrained subjects. The aim of the current study was to examine the effect of ultramarathon run on the plasma and erythrocyte levels of the following bioactive sphingolipids: S1P, sphinganine-1-phosphate (SA1P), sphingosine, sphinganine, and ceramide. Blood samples were collected from seven male amateur runners participating in a 48-hr ultramarathon race before the run, after 24 and 48 hr of running, and following 24 and 48 hr of recovery. The sphingolipids were quantified by means of HPLC. Sustained running for 48 hr resulted in a progressive decline in plasma S1P to a level significantly lower than at prerace, and then remained stable over the next 48 hr of recovery. In erythrocytes, S1P content was stable until 24 hr of recovery, then rose abruptly to reach peak values after 48 hr of recovery. The plasma level of SA1P decreased progressively during the competition and remained unchanged over the recovery. In erythrocytes, the level of SA1P increased after 24 hr running and normalized thereafter. The level of ceramide, both in plasma and erythrocytes, was not significantly affected by the ultraendurance run. We speculate that reduction in plasma level of S1P during and after the run reduces its biological actions and might be responsible for some negative side-effects of the ultraendurance effort.
Dietitian-Observed Macronutrient Intakes of Young Skill and Team-Sport Athletes: Adequacy of Pre, During, and Postexercise Nutrition
Authors: Baker Lindsay B. , Heaton Lisa E. , Nuccio Ryan P. , Stein Kimberly W.
Published: May 2014

Context:

Sports nutrition experts recommend that team-sport athletes participating in intermittent high-intensity exercise for ≥1 hr consume 1–4 g carbohydrate/kg 1–4 hr before, 30–60 g carbohydrate/hr during, and 1–1.2 g carbohydrate/kg/hr and 20–25 g protein as soon as possible after exercise. The study objective was to compare observed vs. recommended macronutrient intake of competitive athletes under free-living conditions.

Methods:

The dietary intake of 29 skill/team-sport athletes (14–19 y; 22 male, 7 female) was observed at a sports training facility by trained registered dietitians for one 24-hr period. Dietitians accompanied subjects to the cafeteria and field/court to record their food and fluid intake during meals and practices/competitions. Other dietary intake within the 24-hr period (e.g., snacks during class) was accounted for by having the subject take a picture of the food/fluid and completing a log.

Results:

For male and female athletes, respectively, the mean ± SD (and percent of athletes meeting recommended) macronutrient intake around exercise was 1.4 ± 0.6 (73%) and 1.4 ± 1.0 (57%) g carbohydrate/kg in the 4 hr before exercise, 21.1 ± 17.2 (18%) and 18.6 ± 13.2 (29%) g carbohydrate/hrr during exercise, 1.4 ± 1.1 (68%) and 0.9 ± 1.0 (43%) g carbohydrate/kg and 45.2 ± 36.9 (73%) and 18.0 ± 21.2 (43%) g protein in the 1 hr after exercise.

Conclusion:

The male athletes’ carbohydrate and protein intake more closely approximated recommendations overall than that of the female athletes. The most common shortfall was carbohydrate intake during exercise, as only 18% of male and 29% of female athletes consumed 30–60 g carbohydrate/hr during practice/competition.
Developing a Conceptual Understanding of Consumer-based League Brand Associations
Authors: Kunkel Thilo , Funk Daniel , King Ceridwyn
Published: May 2014

Existing research has primarily focused on sport teams as brands, overlooking the branding of professional sport leagues. Professional sport leagues are required to build and leverage their brand associations to be sustainable and to help affiliated teams. This study integrated existing team brand association research with brand architecture literature to examine league brand associations from a consumer perspective. A freethought listing pilot test (N = 22) was followed by semistructured interviews (N = 26) to uncover 17 brand associations linked with professional sport leagues. Online questionnaires among consumers of four sport leagues in Australia (N = 1182) were used to support 17 distinct identified league brand associations. One sample t tests and correlation analyses empirically revealed that 17 league brand associations were linked with attitudinal and behavioral outcomes related to sport leagues. Finally, ANOVAs identified that some league brand associations differed between four leagues as perceived by consumers, reflecting league specific characteristics.
Examining the Workplace Experiences of Sport Employees Who Are LGBT: A Social Categorization Theory Perspective
Authors: Melton E. Nicole , Cunningham George B.
Published: May 2014

The purpose of this qualitative analysis was to explore the work experiences of sport employees who are LGBT, and examine how these individuals negotiate their multiple social identities in a sport context. Considering the growing interest in sport, and sport management in particular, it is important for scholars to gain of better understanding of why people choose to work in the sport industry, and understand how employee identity may influence career decisions and subsequent work experiences. Thus, the researchers only interviewed employees who did not fulfill coaching or player roles, as these individuals could potentially work in other industries. Analysis of the data revealed how working in a sport context may present sexual minorities with certain advantages, such as an opportunity to enhance self-esteem and gain social acceptance. When confronted with unjust treatment because of their sexual orientation, employees used coworker social support and social mobility techniques to cope with these negative situations. Although the employees did not always view their sexual orientation as salient to their identity, they had all disclosed their sexual orientation, to varying degrees, to others in the workplace. Finally, though the participants did not engage in social change activities, some of their supportive coworkers attempted to proactively create a more inclusive work environment. Implications of these findings are discussed and practical suggestions are provided.
Leader Perceptions of Management by Values Within Canadian National Sport Organizations
Authors: Bell-Laroche Dina , MacLean Joanne , Thibault Lucie , Wolfe Richard
Published: May 2014

This study examined sport leaders’ perceptions of the use of stated values in the management and performance of their organization. Qualitative data were collected from nine Canadian national sport organizations (NSOs) in a multiple-case studies design, involving analysis of interview transcripts. Results indicated that while many of the NSOs operated from a traditional management by objectives approach, they perceived management by values (MBV) as being important and contributing to enhanced organizational performance. Leaders indicated that more efforts to engage staff members in developing core organizational values and to strategically use values in day-to-day management practice were required. A 4-I Framework describing how an NSO can progress through different stages of strategically using values in management practice was developed. NSO leaders also voiced an interest in embedding organizational values into NSO strategic and other planning processes.
Understanding the Influence of Proximal Networks on High School Athletes’ Intentions to Use Androgenic Anabolic Steroids
Authors: Woolf Jules , Rimal Rajiv N. , Sripad Pooja
Published: May 2014

Understanding what influences adolescent athletes is important for managers designing anti-doping initiatives. It is commonly assumed that elite athletes who dope influence adolescent athletes to similarly dope. Using the theory of normative social behavior, the effect of norms on adolescent athletes’ intentions to use steroids was examined. The social distance between respondents and the source of normative information was systematically varied to include four separate levels (friends, teammates, college athletes, professional athletes). Data were collected from 404 male adolescent athletes. Participants indicated their intentions to use steroids and their perceptions of descriptive and injunctive norms of referent others. Descriptive and injunctive norms were predictive of intentions to use steroids with the magnitude of explained variance greater with more proximal referents. Adolescent athletes’ intentions to use steroids are influenced by social norms. Moreover, the social distance of referents is consequential. Interventions strategies should incorporate teammates and friends, rather than professional athletes.
Randomized, Double-Blind, Multicenter Safety and Efficacy Study of Rifalazil Compared with Azithromycin for Treatment of Uncomplicated Genital Chlamydia trachomatis Infection in Women
Authors: Geisler William M. , Pascual Maria Luz G. , Mathew Judy , Koltun William D. , Morgan Franklin , Batteiger Byron E. , Mayes Annette , Tao Sijia , Hurwitz Selwyn J. , Sayada Chalom , Schinazi Raymond F.
Published: May 2014

A randomized, double-blind study comparing single-dose chlamydia therapies of oral rifalazil (25 mg) and azithromycin (1 g) was conducted in 82 women with uncomplicated genital
Chlamydia trachomatis
infection. The microbiologic cure rate of
C. trachomatis
with rifalazil (
n
= 33) was 84.8% at the visit on day 22 to 26 (test-of-cure visit), versus 92.1% with azithromycin (
n
= 38), and the number of treatment failures in each group was 5 and 3, respectively. The difference in cure rate was −7.3%, with a lower limit of the 95% confidence interval (95% CI) of −22.5, and thus, noninferiority was not established at the prespecified margin (lower limit of CI of −15%). The overall treatment-emergent adverse event (TEAE) and treatment-related TEAE rates were lower in the rifalazil group (68% and 55%) than in the azithromycin group (71% and 62%), respectively. Subjects classified as treatment failures at day 22 to 26 had a lower mean plasma concentration of rifalazil at the visit on day 8 to 12 than those classified as treatment cures, but this difference was not significant; however, the levels were similar for both groups at the visit on day 22 to 26. A single 25-mg dose of rifalazil was well tolerated and eradicated
C. trachomatis
in most of these women with uncomplicated genital
C. trachomatis
infection. (The study was registered at clinicaltrials.gov under registration no. NCT01631201).
Structural Changes and Differentially Expressed Genes in Pseudomonas aeruginosa Exposed to Meropenem-Ciprofloxacin Combination
Authors: Siqueira Vera Lúcia Dias , Cardoso Rosilene Fressatti , Caleffi-Ferracioli Katiany Rizzieri , de Lima Scodro Regiane Bertin , Fernandez Maria Aparecida , Fiorini Adriana , Ueda-Nakamura Tania , Dias-Filho Benedito Prado , Nakamura Celso Vataru
Published: May 2014

The effect of a meropenem-ciprofloxacin combination (MCC) on the susceptibility of multidrug-resistant (MDR)
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
(MRPA) clinical isolates was determined using checkerboard and time-kill curve techniques. Structural changes and differential gene expression that resulted from the synergistic action of the MCC against one of the
P. aeruginosa
isolates (1071-MRPA]) were evaluated using electron microscopy and representational difference analysis (RDA), respectively. The differentially expressed, SOS response-associated, and resistance-associated genes in 1071-MRPA exposed to meropenem, ciprofloxacin, and the MCC were monitored by quantitative PCR. The MCC was synergistic against 25% and 40.6% of MDR
P. aeruginosa
isolates as shown by the checkerboard and time-kill curves, respectively. The morphological and structural changes that resulted from the synergistic action of the MCC against 1071-MRPA were a summation of the effects observed with each antimicrobial alone. One exception included outer membrane vesicles, which were seen in a greater amount upon ciprofloxacin exposure but were significantly inhibited upon MCC exposure. Cell wall- and DNA repair-associated genes were differentially expressed in 1071-MRPA exposed to meropenem, ciprofloxacin, and the MCC. However, some of the RDA-detected, resistance-associated, and SOS response-associated genes were expressed at significantly lower levels in 1071-MRPA exposed to the MCC. The MCC may be an alternative for the treatment of MDR
P. aeruginosa
. The effect of this antimicrobial combination may be not only the result of a summation of the effects of meropenem and ciprofloxacin but also a result of differential action that likely inhibits protective mechanisms in the bacteria.
Sheltering Effect and Indirect Pathogenesis of Carbapenem-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii in Polymicrobial Infection
Authors: Liao Yu-Ting , Kuo Shu-Chen , Lee Yi-Tzu , Chen Chien-Pei , Lin Shu-Wen , Shen Li-Jiuan , Fung Chang-Phone , Cho Wen-Long , Chen Te-Li
Published: May 2014

The role of carbapenem-resistant
Acinetobacter baumannii
(CRAb) in polymicrobial infection remains elusive. Having observed the ability of CRAb to shelter other susceptible bacteria from carbapenem killing, we sought to determine the factors contributing to this sheltering effect by transforming different recombinant plasmids into recipient
A. baumannii
cells. The sheltering effects of CRAb were reproduced in recipient
A. baumannii
cells that highly expressed carbapenem-hydrolyzing class D β-lactamases (CHDLs) through their associated strong promoter. With the use of Western blot analysis and a bioassay, the highly expressed CHDLs were found to be extracellularly released and led to hydrolysis of carbapenem. The level of extracellular CHDLs increased after challenge with a higher concentration of CHDL substrates, such as carbapenem and ticarcillin. This increased CHDL may, in part, be attributed to cell lysis, as indicated by the presence of extracellular gyrase. In the planktonic condition, the sheltering effect for the cocultured susceptible bacteria might represent an indirect and passive effect of the CRAb self-defense mechanism, because coculture with the susceptible pathogen did not augment the amount of the extracellular CHDLs. Polymicrobial infection caused by CRAb and a susceptible counterpart exerted higher pathogenicity than monomicrobial infection caused by either pathogen alone in mice receiving carbapenem therapy. This study demonstrated that CHDL-producing CRAb appears to provide a sheltering effect for carbapenem-susceptible pathogens via the extracellular release of CHDLs and, by this mechanism, can enhance the pathogenesis of polymicrobial infection in the presence of carbapenem therapy.
Biopharmaceutical Characterization of Nebulized Antimicrobial Agents in Rats: 1. Ciprofloxacin, Moxifloxacin, and Grepafloxacin
Authors: Gontijo Aline Vidal Lacerda , Brillault Julien , Grégoire Nicolas , Lamarche Isabelle , Gobin Patrice , Couet William , Marchand Sandrine
Published: May 2014

The aim of this study was to evaluate the biopharmaceutical characteristics of three fluoroquinolones (FQs), ciprofloxacin (CIP), moxifloxacin (MXF), and grepafloxacin (GRX), after delivery via a nebulized aerosol to rats. Bronchoalveolar lavages (BAL) were conducted 0.5, 2, 4, and 6 h after FQ intravenous administration and nebulized aerosol delivery to estimate epithelial lining fluid (ELF) drug concentrations. Plasma drug concentrations were also measured, and profiles of drug concentrations versus time after intravenous administration and nebulized aerosol delivery were virtually superimposable, attesting for rapid and complete systemic absorption of FQs. ELF drug concentrations were systematically higher than corresponding plasma drug concentrations, whatever the route of administration, and average ELF-to-unbound plasma drug concentration ratios post-distribution equilibrium did not change significantly between the ways of administration and were equal: 4.0 ± 5.3 for CIP, 12.6 ± 7.3 for MXF, and 19.1 ± 10.5 for GRX (means ± standard deviations). The impact of macrophage lysis on estimated ELF drug concentrations was significant for GRX but reduced for MXF and CIP; therefore, simultaneous pharmacokinetic modeling of plasma and ELF drug concentrations was only performed for the latter two drugs. The model was characterized by a fixed volume of ELF (
V
ELF
), passive diffusion clearance (
Q
ELF
), and active efflux clearance (CL
out
) between plasma and ELF, indicating active efflux transport systems. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that ELF drug concentrations of these three FQs are several times higher than plasma drug concentrations, probably due to the presence of efflux transporters at the pulmonary barrier level, but no biopharmaceutical advantage of FQ nebulization was observed compared with intravenous administration.
Reciprocal Regulation of Resistance-Nodulation-Division Efflux Systems and the Cpx Two-Component System in Vibrio cholerae
Authors: Taylor Dawn L. , Bina X. Renee , Slamti Leyla , Waldor Matthew K. , Bina James E.
Published: May 2014

The Cpx two-component regulatory system has been shown in
Escherichia coli
to alleviate stress caused by misfolded cell envelope proteins. The
Vibrio cholerae
Cpx system was previously found to respond to cues distinct from those in the
E. coli
system, suggesting that this system fulfills a different physiological role in the cholera pathogen. Here, we used microarrays to identify genes that were regulated by the
V. cholerae
Cpx system. Our observations suggest that the activation of the
V. cholerae
Cpx system does not induce expression of genes involved in the mitigation of stress generated by misfolded cell envelope proteins but promotes expression of genes involved in antimicrobial resistance. In particular, activation of the Cpx system induced expression of the genes encoding the VexAB and VexGH resistance-nodulation-division (RND) efflux systems and their cognate outer membrane pore protein TolC. The promoters for these loci contained putative CpxR consensus binding sites, and ectopic
cpxR
expression activated transcription from the promoters for the RND efflux systems. CpxR was not required for intrinsic antimicrobial resistance, but CpxR activation enhanced resistance to antimicrobial substrates of VexAB and VexGH. Mutations that inactivated VexAB or VexGH efflux activity resulted in the activation of the Cpx response, suggesting that
vexAB
and
vexGH
and the
cpxP-cpxRA
system are reciprocally regulated. We speculate that the reciprocal regulation of the
V. cholerae
RND efflux systems and the Cpx two-component system is mediated by the intracellular accumulation of an endogenously produced metabolic by-product that is normally extruded from the cell by the RND efflux systems.
Functional expression of the Acanthamoeba castellanii alternative oxidase in Escherichia coli; regulation of the activity and evidence for Acaox gene function
Authors: Antos-Krzeminska Nina , Jarmuszkiewicz Wieslawa
Published: May 2014

To evidence Acanthamoeba castellanii alternative oxidase (AcAOX) gene product function, we studied alterations in the levels of mRNA and protein and AcAOX activity during growth in amoeba batch culture. Moreover, heterologous expression of AcAOX in AOX-deficient Escherichia coli confirmed by the protein immunodetection and functional studies was performed. Despite the presence of native bo and bd quinol oxidases in E. coli membrane, from which the latter is known to be cyanide-resistant, functional expression of AcAOX in E. coli conferred cyanide-resistant benzohydroxamate-sensitive respiration on the bacteria. Moreover, AcAOX activity in transformed bacteria was stimulated by GMP and inhibited by ATP, indicating that AcAOX is regulated by mutual exclusion of purine nucleotides, which was previously demonstrated in the mitochondria of A. castellanii.
Novel electroanalytical platform based on bimetallic oxide nanospheres for the sensitive determination of Rhodamine B
Authors: Sun Junyong , Gan Tian , Yang Cui , Shi Zhaoxia , Huang Kejing , Liu Yanming
Published: May 2014

In this work, uniform cobalt and nickel bimetallic oxides were formed by calcining the carbon templates, which were then modified on a glassy carbon electrode (cobalt–nickel oxide/GCE) as a novel system for the preparation of an electrochemical sensing platform. The electrochemical oxidation behavior of Rhodamine B (RB) at the cobalt–nickel oxide/GCE was investigated using differential pulse voltammetry under optimal conditions; the high electrocatalytic activity of the modified electrode toward analysis of RB was indicated. In addition, a linear range of 0.03−1.0 μmol L–1 and a low detection limit of 5.3 nmol L–1 (S/N = 3) for RB detection were obtained. Finally, the developed method with good stability and sensitivity was successfully applied for RB determination in food samples extract.
Plasticity in secondary sexual characteristics in male freshwater blennies (Salaria fluviatilis)
Authors: Fabre N. , Oliva F. , García-Galea E. , Vinyoles D.
Published: May 2014

Alternative reproductive tactics (ARTs) driven by environmental factors are common among fish. However, the flexibility of fish to adopt distinct tactics in response to the characteristics of their environment has received little attention. The aim of the present work was to study phenotypic plasticity in the adoption of dominant behaviour (“bourgeois tactic”) by male freshwater blennies (Salaria fluviatilis (Asso, 1801)). For this purpose, two simultaneous experiments in aquaria were performed to examine the effect of social cues and nest abundance on the acquisition of secondary sexual characteristics (SSCs). Experiments were conducted with small (individuals without SSCs), medium-sized (1-year-old individuals), and large older dominant males (more than 2 years old), all collected in the wild. In experiment 1, the three sizes of males were combined to compare the development of SSCs depending on intrasexual context. In experiment 2, the effect of nest abundance (two nests vs. six nests) was tested for each size of male. Medium-sized males showed phenotypic plasticity in response to the environmental conditions simulated in the two experiments. The absence of larger dominant males was found to be the main factor enhancing SSCs and the onset of parental behaviour. Nest shortage also influenced the degree of cephalic crest development among medium-sized males. This knowledge helps to understand how the population of freshwater blennies still persists when it is reduced to young individuals during the summer droughts in Mediterranean streams.
Genetic structure of the four wild tomato species in theSolanum peruvianums.l. species complex
Authors: Labate Joanne A. , Robertson Larry D. , Strickler Susan R. , Mueller Lukas A.
Published: May 2014

The most diverse wild tomato species Solanum peruvianum sensu lato (s.l.) has been reclassified into four separate species: Solanum peruvianum sensu stricto (s.s.), Solanum corneliomuelleri, Solanum huaylasense, and Solanum arcanum. However, reproductive barriers among the species are incomplete and this can lead to discrepancies regarding genetic identity of germplasm. We used genotyping by sequencing (GBS) of S. peruvianum s.l., Solanum neorickii, and Solanum chmielewskii to develop tens of thousands of mapped single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) to analyze genetic relationships within and among species. The data set was condensed to 14 043 SNPs with no missing data across 46 sampled plants. Origins of accessions were mapped using geographical information systems (GIS). Isolation by distance, pairwise genetic distances, and number of clusters were estimated using population genetics approaches. Isolation by distance was strongly supported, especially between interspecific pairs. Eriopersicon (S. peruvianum s.s., S. corneliomuelleri, S. huaylasense) and Arcanum (S. arcanum, S. neorickii, S. chmielewskii) species groups were genetically distinct, except for S. huaylasense which showed 50% membership proportions in each group. Solanum peruvianum and S. corneliomuelleri were not significantly differentiated from each other. Many thousands of SNP markers were identified that could potentially be used to distinguish pairs of species, including S. peruvianum versus S. corneliomuelleri, if they are verified on larger numbers of samples. Diagnostic markers will be valuable for delimiting morphologically similar and interfertile species in germplasm management. Approximately 12% of the SNPs rejected a genome-wide test of selective neutrality based on differentiation among species of S. peruvianum s.l. These are candidates for more comprehensive studies of microevolutionary processes within this species complex.
Unipotent Schottky bundles on Riemann surfaces and complex tori
Authors: Florentino Carlos , Ludsteck Thomas
Published: May 2014

We study a natural map from representations of a free (respectively, free abelian) group of rank g in GL r(ℂ), to holomorphic vector bundles of degree zero over a compact Riemann surface X of genus g (respectively, complex torus X of dimension g). This map defines what is called a Schottky functor. Our main result is that this functor induces an equivalence between the category of unipotent representations of Schottky groups and the category of unipotent vector bundles on X. We also show that, over a complex torus, any vector or principal bundle with a flat holomorphic connection is Schottky.
Intersection of two spheres in the metric space of knots by Cn-moves
Authors: Horiuchi Sumiko , Ohyama Yoshiyuki
Published: May 2014

A local move called a Cn-move is closely related to Vassiliev invariants. The Cn-distance between two knots K and L, denoted by dCn(K, L), is the minimal number of Cn-moves needed to transform K into L. In the case of n ≥ 3, we show that for any pair of knots K1and K2with dCn(K1, K2) = 1 and for any given natural number m, there exist infinitely many knots Jj(j = 1, 2, …) such that dCn(K1, Jj) = dCn(Jj, K2) = 1 and they have the same Vassiliev invariants of order less than or equal to m.