bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Innovation Economy, Productive Public Expenditure and Economic Growth
Authors: Afonso Oscar , Monteiro Sara , Thompson Maria
Published: May 2014

Multidisciplinary innovation is the main engine of growth for an increasing number of economies. Innovation requires the participation of and interaction between all economic agents. It also requires public spending on education, research and infrastructures. Our main goal is to emphasize the government's role in a growing innovation economy. Developing a non‐scale, idea‐based, one‐sector growth model with complementarities and productive public expenditure, we analyse theoretically the growth effects of an increase in productive public expenditure, which we find positive in the short, medium and long run.
STRATEGY CONTENT AND PUBLIC SERVICE PROVIDER PERFORMANCE IN THE UK: AN ALTERNATIVE APPROACH
Authors: HODGKINSON IAN , HUGHES PAUL
Published: May 2014

This article presents an alternative empirical test of the relationship between strategy content and service provider performance. Strategy content, conceptualized as comprising strategic stance and strategic action, has been shown to be a means to improve public service performance. We contribute to this growing body of research by deriving an alternative typology of strategy to better reflect competitive conditions in the public sector, which existing strategy typologies cannot fully explain. By assuming that public service providers must follow strategies best suited to their internal and external conditions for improved performance, we evaluate the significance of ‘fit’ between alternative strategic stances and organizational characteristics. Compromising the delivery of a strategy invariably leads to a misfit between strategy and what the service provider is actually doing. We highlight how to optimize strategic fit, to maximize service provider performance. Conclusions are drawn for public management theory and practice.
Transthoracic echocardiographic guidance for obtaining an optimal insertion length of internal jugular venous catheters in infants
Authors: Park Yong‐Hee , Lee Ji‐Hyun , Byon Hyo‐Jin , Kim Hee‐Soo , Kim Jin‐Tae
Published: May 2014

Background

There are multiple methods of determining the optimal position of central venous catheter (CVC) tips. The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility of transthoracic echocardiography (TTE), and compare TTE and height‐based method for correct positioning of CVCs in infants undergoing cardiac surgery.

Methods

Ultrasonography‐guided central venous catheterization was performed via the right internal jugular vein. Longitudinal images of the right atrium and superior vena cava were obtained using TTE. The catheter tip was located 10 mm above the crista terminalis. If the catheter tip was not clearly visualized, the probe was rotated to obtain transverse images and the CVC tip was positioned at the level of the pulmonary artery bifurcation. The mean distance from the catheter tip to the level of the carina was compared with that calculated using a height‐based formula.

Results

Among 106 cases, positioning of the CVC tip under TTE guidance failed in four patients; thus, the success rate was 96.2%. The mean distance from the CVC tip to the level of the carina was different for positioning using the TTE method (−3.8 ± 8.2 mm; 95% confidence interval, −5.5 to −2.2 mm) and that using the height‐based formula (6.1 ± 9.6 mm; 95% CI, 4.2 to 8.0 mm; P = 0.001). The distance was consistent regardless of the height when the insertion length was determined using TTE (r = −0.048, P > 0.05).

Conclusions

Transthoracic echocardiography is a practical method for the correct placement of the CVC tip with less variability compared to the height‐based method.
Factors Related to Risky Sexual Behaviors and Effective STI/HIV and Pregnancy Intervention Programs for African American Adolescents
Authors: Lee Young Me , Cintron Adanisse , Kocher Surinder
Published: May 2014

Objective

The purpose of this integrative literature review study was to investigate factors related to risky sexual behaviors among African American adolescents, to evaluate which of the factors are common across successful and effective STI/HIV and pregnancy intervention programs, and finally, to propose suggestions for future intervention programs for African American adolescents in West Englewood, Chicago.

Design

An integrative literature review was conducted. Using CINAHL, PubMed, and ProQuest database, the following terms were searched: African American, Black, adolescents, teenagers, sexual behavior, cultural factors, pregnancy, STIs/HIV/AIDS, and intervention programs.

Result

A total of 18 articles were reviewed, findings indicated there were five major contributing factors related to risky sexual behaviors: substance use, gender roles, peer influences, parental involvement, and level of knowledge and information on sex and STIs. Six successful STI/HIV and pregnancy programs that incorporated those factors to effectively reduce risky sexual behaviors were identified.

Conclusion

After analyzing six national intervention programs proven to be effective, the findings suggest that future prevention programs should be designed with more emphasis on avoidance or limited substance use, increased parental involvement, integration of cultural teaching components such as storytelling and history as suggested from the Aban Aya Youth Project. This study also concluded that future prevention programs should consider the length of programs be longer than 1 year, as it has been shown to be more effective than shorter programs.
The Impact of the Care Equity Project with Community/Public Health Nursing Students
Authors: Kamau‐Small Sylvia , Joyce Barbara , Bermingham Neysa , Roberts Jada , Robbins Curtis
Published: May 2014

Objective

The purpose of this article is to report on the evaluation process of a multi‐disciplinary interactive teaching‐learning workshop implemented in a college of nursing baccalaureate program.

Design and Sample

A 6‐hr workshop on cultural humility and care equity was implemented using educational theater to bring clinical situations involved in community/public health practice into the classroom. One hundred and forty‐nine students participated in the workshop. Stages of Change (Prochaska and DiClemente [2005] Handbook of psychotherapy integration. New York: Oxford University Press) and the Learning Transfer Barriers Framework (Price, Miller, Rahm, Brace, & Larson [2010] Journal of Continuing Education in the Health Professions, 30, 237–245.) provided conceptual underpinnings for project evaluation.

Measures

Nursing students completed a quiz, postworkshop online surveys at 2 and 8 weeks, and a clinical application report (CAR). Survey data provided information on barriers to the transfer of knowledge from theory class to the clinical setting. Qualitative methods were used to audit the CARs. Each CAR was independently reviewed to determine the Stage of Change reflected in the narrative.

Results

Workshop evaluation outcomes provide evidence that cultural humility skill building has created behavior change in clinical practice for new health care community/public health nursing providers.
Ultrastructural observation of mesophyll cells and temporal expression profiles of the genes involved in transitory starch metabolism in flag leaves of wheat after anthesis
Authors: Kang Guozhang , Peng Xiaoqi , Wang Lina , Yang Yingying , Shao Ruixin , Xie Yingxin , Ma Dongyun , Wang Chenyang , Guo Tiancai , Zhu Yunji
Published: May 2014

Transitory starch in cereal plant leaves is synthesized during the day and remobilized at night to provide a carbon source for growth and grain filling, but its mechanistic basis is still poorly understood. The objective of this study is to explore the regulatory mechanism for starch biosynthesis and degradation in plant source organs. Using transmission electron microscopy, we observed that during the day after anthesis, starch granules in mesophyll cells of wheat flag leaves accumulated in chloroplasts and the number of starch granules gradually decreased with wheat leaf growth. During the night, starch granules synthesized in chloroplasts during the day were completely or partially degraded. The transcript levels of 26 starch synthesis‐related genes and 16 starch breakdown‐related genes were further measured using quantitative real‐time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Expression profile analysis revealed that starch metabolism genes were clustered into two groups based on their temporal expression patterns. The genes in the first group were highly expressed and presumed to play crucial roles in starch metabolism. The genes in the other group were not highly expressed in flag leaves and may have minor functions in starch metabolism in leaf tissue. The functions of most of these genes in leaves were further discussed. The starch metabolism‐related genes that are predominantly expressed in wheat flag leaves differ from those expressed in wheat grain, indicating that two different pathways for starch metabolism operate in these tissues. This provides specific information on the molecular mechanisms of transitory starch metabolism in higher plants.
Occurrence of the endangered species Nitellopsis obtusa (Charales, Charophyceae) in western Japan and the genetic differences within and among Japanese populations
Authors: Kato Syou , Kawai Hiroshi , Takimoto Masayuki , Suga Hidefumi , Yohda Katsunori , Horiya Kenji , Higuchi Sumio , Sakayama Hidetoshi
Published: May 2014

Nitellopsis obtusa (Charales, Charophyceae) are widely distributed from Europe to Asia; however, this species has been recorded in only the five lakes in central Honshu in Japan. This species was thought to be extinct in Japan, but was rediscovered in limited areas of Lake Kawaguchi in central Honshu. More recently, we discovered more Japanese populations of N. obtusa in Lake Biwa in western Honshu, and it became clear that the species had a broader distribution in Japan than originally believed. In addition, although only male or female thalli have been collected at each lake, both male and female thalli were found from Lake Biwa. This is the first report of a potentially sexual population of N. obtusa in Japan. The DNA sequences of three chloroplast DNA markers, including both coding and non‐coding regions, were identical in all specimens from Lake Kawaguchi and Lake Nojiri (Central Honshu), and differed from those of Lake Biwa and German specimens. Although Japanese and German specimens were genetically similar, Japanese specimens displayed considerable genetic diversity according to locality.
Effects of Biennial Fire and Clipping on Woody and Herbaceous Ground Layer Vegetation: Implications for Restoration and Management of Oak Barren Ecosystems
Authors: Petersen Sheryl M. , Drewa Paul B.
Published: May 2014

Savannas and oak barrens are threatened in North America, due, in part, to removal of natural disturbance regimes. However, the periodic prescribed fires used in savanna and oak barren management sometimes accelerate the formation of a shrub layer, which can displace herbaceous species. This may be because periodic low severity fires act much like clipping, topkilling shrubs, yet allowing them to accumulate reserves in intervals without fire for more vigorous sprouting. To test this, we compared biennial dormant season burn prescriptions to a fire surrogate (clipping) using three oak barrens sites in the Bluegrass Region of southern Ohio. Fire and clipping treatments did little to suppress the resprouting ability of shrubs (woody stems <2 cm dbh), which regrew rapidly and in equivalent densities following treatment. However, both treatments reduced shrub cover, resulting in a 35% decrease in shrub cover over the course of the study. In contrast, non‐manipulated plots experienced a 44% increase in shrub cover over the same time period. Despite this reduction in shrub cover, treatments had no effect on herbaceous plant cover, richness, diversity, or evenness. These results suggest that the use of biennial prescribed dormant season fire, as employed in this study, is equivalent to clipping, and although effective at temporarily reducing shrub cover, is not effective in reducing shrub densities or resprouting potential. Thus, burning during marginal conditions should be avoided for achieving a short‐term restoration goal of shrub removal, but can be effective for maintaining the current shrub layer.
Do Tree Canopies Enhance Perennial Grass Restoration in California Oak Savannas?
Authors: Stahlheber Karen A. , D'Antonio Carla M.
Published: May 2014

Scattered trees in grass‐dominated ecosystems often act as islands of fertility with important influences on community structure. Despite the potential for these islands to be useful in restoring degraded rangelands, they can also serve as sites for the establishment of fast growing non‐native species. In California oak savannas, native perennial grasses are rare beneath isolated oaks and non‐native annual grasses dominate. To understand the mechanisms generating this pattern, and the potential for restoration of native grasses under oaks, we asked: what are the effects of the tree understory environment, the abundance of a dominant non‐native annual grass (Bromus diandrus), and soils beneath the trees on survival, growth, and reproduction of native perennial grass seedlings? We found oak canopies had a strong positive effect on survival ofStipa pulchraandPoa secunda. Growth and reproduction was enhanced by the canopy forPoabut negatively impacted forStipa. We also found thatBromussuppressed growth and reproduction inStipaandPoa, although less so forStipa. These results suggest the oak understory may enhance survival of restored native perennial grass seedlings. The presence of exotic grasses can also suppress growth of native grasses, although only weakly forStipa. The current limitation of native grasses to outside the canopy edge is potentially the result of interference from annual grasses under oaks, especially for short‐statured grasses likePoa. Therefore, control of non‐native annual grasses under tree canopies will enhance the establishment ofS. pulchraandP. secundawhen planted in California oak savannas.
Accounting for Multiple Foundation Species in Oyster Reef Restoration Benefits
Authors: Gedan Keryn B. , Kellogg Lisa , Breitburg Denise L.
Published: May 2014

Many coastal habitat restoration projects are focused on restoring the population of a single foundation species to recover an entire ecological community. Estimates of the ecosystem services provided by the restoration project are used to justify, prioritize, and evaluate such projects. However, estimates of ecosystem services provided by a single species may vastly under‐represent true provisioning, as we demonstrate here with an example of oyster reefs, often restored to improve estuarine water quality. In the brackish Chesapeake Bay, the hooked mussel Ischadium recurvum can have greater abundance and biomass than the focal restoration species, the eastern oyster Crassostrea virginica. We measured the temperature‐dependent phytoplankton clearance rates of both bivalves and their filtration efficiency on three size classes of phytoplankton to parameterize an annual model of oyster reef filtration, with and without hooked mussels, for monitored oyster reefs and restoration scenarios in the eastern Chesapeake Bay. The inclusion of filtration by hooked mussels increased the filtration capacity of the habitat greater than 2‐fold. Hooked mussels were also twice as effective as oysters at filtering picoplankton (1.5–3 µm), indicating that they fill a distinct ecological niche by controlling phytoplankton in this size class, which makes up a significant proportion of the phytoplankton load in summer. When mussel and oyster filtration are accounted for in this, albeit simplistic, model, restoration of oyster reefs in a tributary scale restoration is predicted to control 100% of phytoplankton during the summer months.
Recognition of cyclic steps in sandy and gravelly turbidite sequences, and consequences for the Bouma facies model
Authors: Postma George , Kleverlaan Kick , Cartigny Matthieu J. B.
Published: May 2014

Preservation of cyclic steps contrasts markedly with that of subcritical‐flow bedforms, because cyclic steps migrate upslope eroding their lee face and preserving their stoss side. Such bedforms have not been described from turbidite outcrops and cores as yet. A conceptual block diagram for recognition of cyclic steps in outcrop has been constructed and is tested by outcrop studies of deep water submarine fan deposits of the Tabernas Basin in south‐eastern Spain. Experimental data indicate that depositional processes on the stoss side of a cyclic step are controlled by a hydraulic jump, which decelerates the flow and by subsequent waxing of the flow up to supercritical conditions once more. The hydraulic jump produces a large scour with soft‐sediment deformation (flames) preserved in coarse‐tail normal‐graded structureless deposits (Bouma Ta), while near‐horizontal, massive to stratified top‐cut‐out turbidite beds are found further down the stoss side of the bedform. The architecture of cyclic steps can best be described as large, up to hundreds of metres, lens‐shaped bodies that are truncated by erosive surfaces representing the set boundaries and that consist of nearly horizontal lying stacks of top‐cut‐out turbidite beds. The facies that characterize these bedforms have traditionally been described as turbidite units in idealized vertical sequences of high‐density turbidity currents, but have not yet been interpreted to represent bedforms produced by supercritical flow. Their large size, which is in the order of 20 m for gravelly and up to hundreds of metres for sandy steps, is likely to have hindered their recognition in outcrop so far.
Longitudinal change in working memory as a function of APOE genotype in midlife and old age
Authors: Greenwood Pamela M. , Espeseth Thomas , Lin Ming‐Kuan , Reinvang Ivar , Parasuraman Raja
Published: May 2014

Previous investigations into whether the APOE‐ε4 allele exerts cognitive effects at midlife have been inconclusive. We have advanced a “cognitive phenotype” hypothesis arguing that the ε4 allele of the apolipoprotein E gene (APOE) is associated with lower efficiency of neuronal plasticity thereby resulting in poorer cognitive performance independently of the pathology of Alzheimer's disease (Greenwood et al., ). This hypothesis is best tested at midlife, prior to the neuron loss associated with AD diagnosis. This hypothesis predicts that the ε4 allele would alter cognition regardless of age through plasticity mechanisms, but would not induce longitudinal decline in midlife. The alternative “prodrome” hypothesis predicts that the APOE‐ε4 allele would be associated with longitudinal cognitive decline as early as midlife due to prodromal effects of AD. We tested these hypotheses with a working memory task in a large cross‐sectional sample of cognitively screened APOE‐ε4 carriers and non‐carriers and also in a small longitudinal sample over 3 years. The sample was divided into middle‐aged (mean age 50, range 40–59) and older (mean age 69, range 60–84) individuals. Cross‐sectionally, we observed that older, but not middle‐aged, APOE‐ε4 carriers had lower accuracy than ε4 non‐carriers, mainly under the hardest discrimination condition. Longitudinally, we observed increases in accuracy in middle‐aged APOE‐ε4 carriers, suggesting a cognitive phenotype that includes ability to benefit from experience. We observed a longitudinal decrease in older APOE‐ε4 carriers, suggesting an AD prodrome.
Convergence on Sustainable Lifestyles? Mechanisms of Change and Resistance in a French Allotment
Authors: Farges Géraldine
Published: May 2014

This article aims to contribute to understanding convergence on sustainable lifestyles in relation to recent governmental promotion of sustainability. We analyse the effects of inducement to pro‐environmental practices in amateur gardeners on an allotment, a group of plots of land collectively managed in an urban context. We examine the conditions in which allotment gardeners integrate practices and norms on sustainability. Through a one‐year ethnographic research project consisting of observations and repeat interviews with gardeners, we demonstrate that while they adopt new cultural techniques for their plots, the meanings of their gardening practices differ, as do their relationships with the environment. We identify three ideal types of gardeners and show that the diffusion of pro‐environmental practices is not systematically related to shared concerns and that the meaning of practices can be interpreted differently by policymakers and lay individuals.
Antimicrobial prophylaxis in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation recipients: 10 years after
Authors: Trifilio S. , Mehta J.
Published: May 2014

Background

Antimicrobial prophylaxis is recommended for all patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Evidence‐based guidelines recently have been updated to incorporate the results from recent clinical studies.

Methods

An antimicrobial prophylaxis survey was conducted during the 2013 ASBMT Tandem Meetings to discern the degree of concordance between transplant centers and society guidelines.

Results

The results show significant differences in prescribing practices among transplant institutions and variance with evidence‐based guidelines.

Conclusion

The clinical significance of this discordance is unknown.
South–South Trade and Skill Premia
Authors: Khalifa Sherif
Published: May 2014

Contrary to the predictions of the 2 × 2 × 2 Heckscher–Ohlin model, empirical evidence shows that the skill premium increased in some developing countries and decreased in others after trade liberalisation. This paper attempts to reconcile the empirical evidence with the theoretical predictions by introducing a model where South–South trade can produce the observed patterns of skill premia in the South. In this context, South–South trade expands the import range of the country that reduces the tariff. This increases the demand for and the cost of skilled workers in the other country. This also leads the country that reduces the tariff to expand its export range and reduce its import range. Therefore, the country that reduces the tariff experiences an increase in its export range, which leads to an increase in the skill premium. As the impact on the import range is ambiguous, it is possible that the other country experiences a decline in the skill premium. Thus, trade liberalisation between Southern countries can cause an increase in the skill premium in one and a decrease in the skill premium in another.
IMAGING DIAGNOSIS—COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHIC, SURGICAL, AND HISTOPATHOLOGIC CHARACTERISTICS OF AN INFILTRATIVE ANGIOLIPOMA IN A DOG
Authors: Kraun Michael B. , Nelson Nathan C. , Hollinger Charlotte
Published: May 2014

A 6‐year‐old female spayed Shetland Sheepdog presented for evaluation of a subcutaneous mass over the right prescapular region. The mass had been cytologically diagnosed as a lipoma by the referring veterinarian 20 months prior, but had grown significantly and was very firm. CT scan of the mass was suggestive of neoplasia; however, the tissue of origin could not be determined. Histopathologic evaluation diagnosed infiltrative angiolipoma, and marginal resection of the tumor was performed. Infiltrative angiolipomas are benign but locally aggressive neoplasms uncommonly reported in veterinary medicine. This report correlates the clinical, CT, and histopathologic characteristics of an infiltrative angiolipoma.
Complications of negative pressure wound therapy: A mini review
Authors: Li Zonghuan , Yu Aixi
Published: May 2014

Negative pressure wound therapy, with its wide indications and narrow contraindications, has been widely used for various complicated wounds. Despite its excellent properties in promoting wound healing, there are sporadic but increasing reports on the complications. These complications included bleeding, infection, pain, rupture of the heart, and death in the short term. When used for the long term, the therapy may decrease life quality, increase anxiety, and lead to malnutrition. In this review, we briefly summarize the complications of negative pressure wound therapy.
Discussion of “Dynamics of Phononic Materials and Structures: Historical Origins, Recent Progress and Future Outlook” (Hussein, M. I., Leamy, M. J., and Ruzzene, M., 2014, ASME Appl. Mech. Rev., 66(4), p. 040802)
Authors: Mace Brian R.
Published: May 2014

The authors provide an extensive review of this field, outlining its multidisciplinary history, presenting a state-of-the-art review of current methods and applications, a description of the phenomena observed and projections for future research directions. This note provides additional comments and interpretation in various areas. Wave motion in periodic structures is discussed, with the emphasis being on multicoupled and continuous systems. The natural frequencies of finite structures are considered, including higher frequency issues such as asymptotic modal density and how periodic subsystems can be included in statistical energy analysis models. Comments are made on various computational and numerical issues. Media with periodic arrays of internal resonators—commonly referred to as acoustic metamaterials—are known to exhibit a stop band in the sub-Bragg frequency region around the resonator natural frequency: it is noted that the same effect can be produced by just a single resonator, rather than requiring a periodic array. Phenomena occasionally referred to in the literature as involving “negative group velocity” or “negative mass” are discussed and alternative physical interpretations provided.
Efficient Solar Desalination System Using Humidification/Dehumidification Process
Authors: Abdel Dayem Adel M.
Published: May 2014

An innovative solar desalination system is successfully designed, manufactured, and experimentally tested at Makkah, 21.4 degN. The system consists of 1.15 m2 flat-plate collector as a heat source and a desalination unit. The unit is about 400 l vertical cylindrical insulated tank. It includes storage, evaporator, and condenser of hot salt-water that is fed from the collector. The heated water in the collector is raised naturally to the unit bottom at which it is used as storage. A high pressure pump is used to inject the water vertically up through 1-mm three nozzles inside the unit. The hot salt-water is atomized inside the unit where the produced vapor is condensed on the inner surfaces of the unit outer walls to outside. The system was experimentally tested under different weather conditions. It is obtained that the system can produce about 9 l a day per quadratic meter of collector surface area. By that it can produce about 1.6 l/kWh of solar energy. Moreover, the water temperature has a great effect on the system performance although the scaling possibility is becoming significant. By that way the cost of a liter water production is relatively high and is obtained as 0.5 US$.
Nb-B-C thin films for electrical contact applications deposited by magnetron sputtering
Authors: Nedfors Nils , Tengstrand Olof , Eklund Per , Hultman Lars , Jansson Ulf
Published: May 2014

The high wear resistance, high chemical inertness, and high electrical conductivity of magnetron-sputtered transition metal diborides make them a candidate material for sliding electrical contacts. However, their high hardness makes it difficult to penetrate surface oxides, resulting in a high electrical contact resistance. In this study, the authors have investigated how the contact resistance can be improved by the formation of softer Nb-B-C films. The Nb-B-C films were deposited by magnetron sputtering and shown to exhibit a nanocomposite microstructure consisting of nanocrystalline NbB2−x grains with a solid solution of C separated by an amorphous BCx phase. The formation of the BCx phase reduces the hardness from 41 GPa for the NbB2−x film to 19 GPa at 36 at. % C. As a consequence the contact resistance is drastically reduced and the lowest contact resistance of 35 mΩ (contact force 5 N) is achieved for a film containing 30 at. % C. However, crack formation and subsequent delamination and fragmentation is observed for the C-containing Nb-B-C films in tribology tests resulting in high friction values for these films.
Grafting titanium nitride surfaces with sodium styrene sulfonate thin films
Authors: Zorn Gilad , Migonney Véronique , Castner David G.
Published: May 2014

The importance of titanium nitride lies in its high hardness and its remarkable resistance to wear and corrosion, which has led to its use as a coating for the heads of hip prostheses, dental implants and dental surgery tools. However, the usefulness of titanium nitride coatings for biomedical applications could be significantly enhanced by modifying their surface with a bioactive polymer film. The main focus of the present work was to graft a bioactive poly(sodium styrene sulfonate) (pNaSS) thin film from titanium nitride surfaces via a two-step procedure: first modifying the surface with 3-methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (MPS) and then grafting the pNaSS film from the MPS modified titanium through free radical polymerization. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) were used after each step to characterize success and completeness of each reaction. The surface region of the titanium nitride prior to MPS functionalization and NaSS grafting contained a mixture of titanium nitride, oxy-nitride, oxide species as well as adventitious surface contaminants. After MPS functionalization, Si was detected by XPS, and characteristic MPS fragments were detected by ToF-SIMS. After NaSS grafting, Na and S were detected by XPS and characteristic NaSS fragments were detected by ToF-SIMS. The XPS determined thicknesses of the MPS and NaSS overlayers were ∼1.5 and ∼1.7 nm, respectively. The pNaSS film density was estimated by the toluidine blue colorimetric assay to be 260 ± 70 ng/cm2.
High strain extensional rheometry of polymer melts: Revisiting and improving the Meissner design
Authors: Andrade R. J. , Harris P. , Maia J. M.
Published: May 2014

A new extensional rheometer limited in achievable strain only by sample rupture is presented. The rheometer is based on the Meissner design of two pairs of counter-rotating rollers pulling a sample of fixed length but is small enough to fit inside the oven of a standard rotational rheometer and thus is dubbed the Meissner Extensional Rheometry Accessory (MERA). The true strain rate is calculated by visually accessing the sample during deformation using a high-speed digital camera. Extensional experiments were performed on three materials representing a wide range expected rheological behavior, a styrene-butadiene rubber blend, a linear polystyrene, and a branched low-density polyethylene. The MERA was able to accurately replicate the results of the well-known Sentmanat extensional rheometer (SER) design in terms of onset of strain-hardening and absolute transient extensional viscosity values. However, due to its design, it was possible to achieve homogeneous extensional flow up to real Hencky strains in excess of 8, which corresponds to a linear stretch in excess of 3000. By comparison, the SER is limited to one drum revolution, which corresponds to a Hencky strain of 3.5–4.0 or a maximum linear stretch of approximately 50. Previously the highest Hencky deformations reported in the literature are for the filament stretching extensional rheometer and Rheometric Scientific RME apparatus and in both cases approach 7, which corresponds to a linear stretch of approximately 1000.
Airway Microbiome Dynamics in Exacerbations of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Huang Yvonne J. , Sethi Sanjay , Murphy Timothy , Nariya Snehal , Boushey Homer A. , Lynch Susan V.
Published: May 2014

Specific bacterial species are implicated in the pathogenesis of exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, recent studies of clinically stable COPD patients have demonstrated a greater diversity of airway microbiota, whose role in acute exacerbations is unclear. In this study, temporal changes in the airway microbiome before, at the onset of, and after an acute exacerbation were examined in 60 sputum samples collected from subjects enrolled in a longitudinal study of bacterial infection in COPD. Microbiome composition and predicted functions were examined using 16S rRNA-based culture-independent profiling methods. Shifts in the abundance (≥2-fold,
P
< 0.05) of many taxa at exacerbation and after treatment were observed. Microbiota members that were increased at exacerbation were primarily of the
Proteobacteria
phylum, including nontypical COPD pathogens. Changes in the bacterial composition after treatment for an exacerbation differed significantly among the therapy regimens clinically prescribed (antibiotics only, oral corticosteroids only, or both). Treatment with antibiotics alone primarily decreased the abundance of
Proteobacteria
, with the prolonged suppression of some microbiota members being observed. In contrast, treatment with corticosteroids alone led to enrichment for
Proteobacteria
and members of other phyla. Predicted metagenomes of particular microbiota members involved in these compositional shifts indicated exacerbation-associated loss of functions involved in the synthesis of antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory products, alongside enrichment in functions related to pathogen-elicited inflammation. These trends reversed upon clinical recovery. Further larger studies will be necessary to determine whether specific compositional or functional changes detected in the airway microbiome could be useful indicators of exacerbation development or outcome.
Rapid Detection and Identification of Mucormycetes in Bronchoalveolar Lavage Samples from Immunocompromised Patients with Pulmonary Infiltrates by Use of High-Resolution Melt Analysis
Authors: Lengerova Martina , Racil Zdenek , Hrncirova Kristyna , Kocmanova Iva , Volfova Pavlina , Ricna Dita , Bejdak Petr , Moulis Mojmir , Pavlovsky Zdenek , Weinbergerova Barbora , Toskova Martina , Mayer Jiri
Published: May 2014

Rapid differential diagnostics of pulmonary infiltrates suspected of invasive fungal disease in an immunocompromised host and early initiation of effective antifungal therapy are crucial for patient outcomes. There are no serological tests available to detect mucormycetes; therefore, PCR-based methods are highly suitable. We validated our previously published PCR followed by high-resolution melt analysis (PCR/HRMA) to detect
Rhizopus
spp.,
Rhizomucor pusillus
,
Lichtheimia corymbifera
, and
Mucor
spp. in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) samples from immunocompromised patients who were at risk of invasive fungal disease. All PCR/HRMA-positive samples were retested using novel real-time quantitative PCR (RQ PCR) assays specific to the species identified. In total, between January 2009 and December 2012 we analyzed 99 BAL samples from 86 patients with pulmonary abnormalities using PCR/HRMA. Ninety (91%) BAL samples were negative, and 9 (9%) samples were positive. The sensitivity and specificity of PCR/HRMA were 100% and 93%, respectively. By combining the positive results of PCR/HRMA with positive RQ PCR results, the specificity was raised to 98%. PCR/HRMA, due to its high negative predictive value (99%), represents a fast and reliable tool for routine BAL sample screening for the differential diagnosis of pulmonary infiltrates in immunocompromised patients for the four most clinically important mucormycetes.
Comparative Evaluation of Two Chromogenic Tests for Rapid Detection of Carbapenemase in Enterobacteriaceae and in Pseudomonas aeruginosa Isolates
Authors: Huang Te-Din , Berhin Catherine , Bogaerts Pierre , Glupczynski Youri
Published: May 2014

We compared the performance of the Carba NP test and the Rosco Rapid CARB screen kit for detecting carbapenemase-producing
Enterobacteriaceae
and
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
. Both tests are rapid and highly sensitive; however, the Carba NP test showed superior specificity, and several uninterpretable results were observed with the Rapid CARB screen.
Interaction between Hantavirus Nucleocapsid Protein (N) and RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerase (RdRp) Mutants Reveals the Requirement of an N-RdRp Interaction for Viral RNA Synthesis
Authors: Cheng Erdong , Wang Zekun , Mir Mohammad A.
Published: May 2014

Viral ribonucleocapsids harboring the viral genomic RNA are used as the template for viral mRNA synthesis and replication of the viral genome by viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp). Here we show that hantavirus nucleocapsid protein (N protein) interacts with RdRp in virus-infected cells. We mapped the RdRp binding domain at the N terminus of N protein. Similarly, the N protein binding pocket is located at the C terminus of RdRp. We demonstrate that an N protein-RdRp interaction is required for RdRp function during the course of virus infection in the host cell.
Identification of 10 Cowpox Virus Proteins That Are Necessary for Induction of Hemorrhagic Lesions (Red Pocks) on Chorioallantoic Membranes
Authors: Xu Zhiyong , Zikos Dimitrios , Tamošiūnaitė Aistė , Klopfleisch Robert , Osterrieder Nikolaus , Tischer B. Karsten
Published: May 2014

Cowpox viruses (CPXV) cause hemorrhagic lesions (“red pocks”) on infected chorioallantoic membranes (CAM) of embryonated chicken eggs, while most other members of the genus
Orthopoxvirus
produce nonhemorrhagic lesions (“white pocks”). Cytokine response modifier A (CrmA) of CPXV strain Brighton Red (BR) is necessary but not sufficient for the induction of red pocks. To identify additional viral proteins involved in the induction of hemorrhagic lesions, a library of single-gene CPXV knockout mutants was screened. We identified 10 proteins that are required for the formation of hemorrhagic lesions, which are encoded by
CPXV060
,
CPXV064
,
CPXV068
,
CPXV069
,
CPXV074
,
CPXV136
,
CPXV168
,
CPXV169
,
CPXV172
, and
CPXV199
. The genes are the homologues of
F12L
,
F15L
,
E2L
,
E3L
,
E8R
,
A4L
,
A33R
,
A34R
,
A36R
, and
B5R
of vaccinia virus (VACV). Mutants with deletions in
CPXV060
,
CPXV168
,
CPXV169
,
CPXV172
, or
CPXV199
induced white pocks with a comet-like shape on the CAM. The homologues of these five genes in VACV encode proteins that are involved in the production of extracellular enveloped viruses (EEV) and the repulsion of superinfecting virions by actin tails. The homologue of
CPXV068
in VACV is also involved in EEV production but is not related to actin tail induction. The other genes encode immunomodulatory proteins (
CPXV069
and
crmA
) and viral core proteins (
CPXV074
and
CPXV136
), and the function of the product of
CPXV064
is unknown.

IMPORTANCE
It has been known for a long time that cowpox virus induces hemorrhagic lesions on chicken CAM, while most of the other orthopoxviruses produce nonhemorrhagic lesions. Although cowpox virus CrmA has been proved to be responsible for the hemorrhagic phenotype, other proteins causing this phenotype remain unknown. Recently, we generated a complete single-gene knockout bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) library of cowpox virus Brighton strain. Out of 183 knockout BAC clones, 109 knockout viruses were reconstituted. The knockout library makes possible high-throughput screening for studying poxvirus replication and pathogenesis. In this study, we screened all 109 single-gene knockout viruses and identified 10 proteins necessary for inducing hemorrhagic lesions. The identification of these genes gives a new perspective for studying the hemorrhagic phenotype and may give a better understanding of poxvirus virulence.
Effects of Toll-Like Receptor Stimulation on Eosinophilic Infiltration in Lungs of BALB/c Mice Immunized with UV-Inactivated Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-Related Coronavirus Vaccine
Authors: Iwata-Yoshikawa Naoko , Uda Akihiko , Suzuki Tadaki , Tsunetsugu-Yokota Yasuko , Sato Yuko , Morikawa Shigeru , Tashiro Masato , Sata Tetsutaro , Hasegawa Hideki , Nagata Noriyo
Published: May 2014

Severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus (SARS-CoV) is an emerging pathogen that causes severe respiratory illness. Whole UV-inactivated SARS-CoV (UV-V), bearing multiple epitopes and proteins, is a candidate vaccine against this virus. However, whole inactivated SARS vaccine that includes nucleocapsid protein is reported to induce eosinophilic infiltration in mouse lungs after challenge with live SARS-CoV. In this study, an ability of Toll-like receptor (TLR) agonists to reduce the side effects of UV-V vaccination in a 6-month-old adult BALB/c mouse model was investigated, using the mouse-passaged Frankfurt 1 isolate of SARS-CoV. Immunization of adult mice with UV-V, with or without alum, resulted in partial protection from lethal doses of SARS-CoV challenge, but extensive eosinophil infiltration in the lungs was observed. In contrast, TLR agonists added to UV-V vaccine, including lipopolysaccharide, poly(U), and poly(I·C) (UV-V+TLR), strikingly reduced excess eosinophilic infiltration in the lungs and induced lower levels of interleukin-4 and -13 and eotaxin in the lungs than UV-V-immunization alone. Additionally, microarray analysis showed that genes associated with chemotaxis, eosinophil migration, eosinophilia, and cell movement and the polarization of Th2 cells were upregulated in UV-V-immunized but not in UV-V+TLR-immunized mice. In particular, CD11b+cells in the lungs of UV-V-immunized mice showed the upregulation of genes associated with the induction of eosinophils after challenge. These findings suggest that vaccine-induced eosinophil immunopathology in the lungs upon SARS-CoV infection could be avoided by the TLR agonist adjuvants.

IMPORTANCEInactivated whole severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus (SARS-CoV) vaccines induce neutralizing antibodies in mouse models; however, they also cause increased eosinophilic immunopathology in the lungs upon SARS-CoV challenge. In this study, the ability of adjuvant Toll-like receptor (TLR) agonists to reduce the side effects of UV-inactivated SARS-CoV vaccination in a BALB/c mouse model was tested, using the mouse-passaged Frankfurt 1 isolate of SARS-CoV. We found that TLR stimulation reduced the high level of eosinophilic infiltration that occurred in the lungs of mice immunized with UV-inactivated SARS-CoV. Microarray analysis revealed that genes associated with chemotaxis, eosinophil migration, eosinophilia, and cell movement and the polarization of Th2 cells were upregulated in UV-inactivated SARS-CoV-immunized mice. This study may be helpful for elucidating the pathogenesis underlying eosinophilic infiltration resulting from immunization with inactivated vaccine.
A Single Amino Acid in EBNA-2 Determines Superior B Lymphoblastoid Cell Line Growth Maintenance by Epstein-Barr Virus Type 1 EBNA-2
Authors: Tzellos Stelios , Correia Paulo B. , Karstegl Claudio Elgueta , Cancian Laila , Cano-Flanagan Julian , McClellan Michael J. , West Michelle J. , Farrell Paul J.
Published: May 2014

Sequence differences in the EBNA-2 protein mediate the superior ability of type 1 Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) to transform human B cells into lymphoblastoid cell lines compared to that of type 2 EBV. Here we show that changing a single amino acid (S442D) from serine in type 2 EBNA-2 to the aspartate found in type 1 EBNA-2 confers a type 1 growth phenotype in a lymphoblastoid cell line growth maintenance assay. This amino acid lies in the transactivation domain of EBNA-2, and the S442D change increases activity in a transactivation domain assay. The superior growth properties of type 1 EBNA-2 correlate with the greater induction of EBV LMP-1 and about 10 cell genes, including CXCR7. In chromatin immunoprecipitation assays, type 1 EBNA-2 is shown to associate more strongly with EBNA-2 binding sites near the LMP-1 and CXCR7 genes. Unbiased motif searching of the EBNA-2 binding regions of the differentially regulated cell genes identified an ETS-interferon regulatory factor composite element motif that closely corresponds to the sequences known to mediate EBNA-2 regulation of the LMP-1 promoter. It appears that the superior induction by type 1 EBNA-2 of the cell genes contributing to cell growth is due to their being regulated in a manner different from that for most EBNA-2-responsive genes and in a way similar to that for the LMP-1 gene.

IMPORTANCEThe EBNA-2 transcription factor plays a key role in B cell transformation by EBV and defines the two EBV types. Here we identify a single amino acid (Ser in type 1 EBV, Asp in type 2 EBV) of EBNA-2 that determines the superior ability of type 1 EBNA-2 to induce a key group of cell genes and the EBV LMP-1 gene, which mediate the growth advantage of B cells infected with type 1 EBV. The EBNA-2 binding sites in these cell genes have a sequence motif similar to the sequence known to mediate regulation of the EBV LMP-1 promoter. Further detailed analysis of transactivation and promoter binding provides new insight into the physiological regulation of cell genes by EBNA-2.
Subclavian vein thrombosis in an otherwise healthy 9-year-old boy
Authors: Young Katie , Tunstall Oliver , Mumford Andrew
Published: May 2014

We report a previously well 9-year-old boy who presented with an acutely swollen left arm after horse riding. Left subclavian vein thrombosis was demonstrated by MR venography but there was no evidence of an underlying anatomical abnormality. The child was successfully treated with catheter directed thrombolysis and anticoagulation with intravenous unfractionated heparin and warfarin. We have identified 75 previously published case reports of effort-induced upper extremity deep vein thrombosis (UEDVT) and surveyed patient characteristics and precipitating activities. In this case and literature review, we demonstrate that individuals with effort-induced UEDVT show demographic characteristics and presenting features that are distinct from other patient groups with venous thromboembolic disease. We also highlight the difficulties in counselling affected individuals about modifying occupational and recreational activities to minimise the risk of recurrent thrombosis.
Acromioclavicular joint dislocation with associated brachial plexus injury
Authors: Gallagher Charles Alexander , Blakeney William , Zellweger René
Published: May 2014

We present the case of a 32-year-old female who sustained a left acromioclavicular (AC) joint type V injury and brachial plexus injury. The patient's AC joint injury was identified 6 days after she was involved in a motorbike accident where she sustained multiple other injuries. She required operative fixation of the AC joint using a locking compression medial proximal tibial plate. At 3 months post operatively, the patient was found to have a subluxed left shoulder as a result of an axonal injury to the upper trunk of the brachial plexus. In addition, the tibial plate had cut out. The plate was subsequently removed. At 8 months the glenohumeral articulation had been restored and the patient had clinically regained significant shoulder function. After 15 months the patient was pain free and could complete all her activities of daily living without impediment. She returned to playing competitive pool after 24 months.
The importance of timely detection and management in neonatal appendicitis
Authors: Ayoub Barrak Hani , Al Omran Yasser , Hassan Aziz , Al Hindi Saeed
Published: May 2014

The clinical presentation of cute appendicitis is rarely encountered in neonatology. When it does occur, it is thought to be due to prematurity or develops secondary to coexisting diseases. We present a case of appendicitis in a 10-day-old Middle-Eastern girl, who was born at term and who had no underlying conditions that are typically associated with neonatal appendicitis. This case highlights that certain causes and clinical signs are unreliable when coming to a working diagnosis of neonatal appendicitis, and that regardless of the cause, timely detection and management are necessary in achieving surgical success.