bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On-treatment mortality predictors in chronic hepatitis B patients experiencing severe acute exacerbation: a prospective observational study
Authors: Chen Yi-Cheng , Hsu Chao-Wei , Chang Ming-Yang , Yeh Chau-Ting
Published: September 2013

Background

Severe acute exacerbation in chronic hepatitis B could lead to mortality in some patients unless timely liver transplantation is performed. The baseline bilirubin level has been reported to be an important prognostic factor for mortality. Here we conducted a prospective observational study to examine the clinical performance of this predictor.

Method

Twenty-one consecutive chronic hepatitis B patients experiencing severe acute exacerbation were treated with either telbivudine or entecavir. The clinical characteristics at baseline and week-2 were documented and correlated with mortality.

Results

Of the 21 patients included, 9 had baseline bilirubin >10 mg/dL. Four of these 9 patients (44.4%) eventually died, whereas all other patients survived. During the initial 2-week period, the change of bilirubin was −1.2 mg/dl in the survivors, but was +8.05 mg/dl in the mortalities (P = 0.009). When this on-treatment factor was combined, 5 of the 21 patients had baseline bilirubin > 10 mg/dL plus an increase of bilirubin level at week-2. Of these 5 patients, 4 (80%) died. Thus, by combining the baseline and on-treatment bilirubin levels, a positive predictive value of 80% and a negative predictive value of 100% could be achieved. Other significant on-treatment mortality predictors (at week-2) included higher international normalized ratio of prothrombin time (2.75 vs. 1.3, P = 0.004), higher model for end-stage liver disease score (30 vs. 17, P = 0.006), lower alpha-fetoprotein level (36.3 vs. 459.6 ng/mL, P = 0.039), and more rapid deterioration of the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (P = 0.008). Interestingly, during the course, deterioration of eGFR was statistically significant in entecavir-treated (P = 0.028), but not in telbivudine-treated patients. Additionally, the patients treated with telbivudine had significant increase in serum alpha-fetoprotein (27.9 to 191.9 ng/ml, P = 0.046) in the first 2 weeks, whereas the corresponding feature was not found in those treated with entecavir (P = 0.139).

Conclusions

In this prospective observational study, we discovered that the baseline and on-treatment bilirubin levels should be combined to achieve a better predictive value. Telbivudine might have a renoprotective effect in addition to its efficacy in viral suppression in patients with severe acute exacerbation.
Tristetraprolin expression and microRNA-mediated regulation during simian immunodeficiency virus infection of the central nervous system
Authors: Liu Jonathan , Sisk Jeanne M , Gama Lucio , Clements Janice E , Witwer Kenneth W
Published: September 2013

Background

The RNA-binding protein tristetraprolin (TTP) participates in normal post-transcriptional control of cytokine and chemokine gene expression, dysregulation of which contributes to the HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders. Transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation of TTP has been described, including regulation by microRNA-29a. In the simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) model of HIV CNS disease, control of cytokine/chemokine expression coincides with the end of acute phase infection. This control is lost during progression to disease. In this study, we assessed TTP regulation and association with cytokine regulation in the brain during SIV infection.

Results

Quantitation of TTP expression over the course of SIV infection revealed downregulation of TTP during acute infection, maintenance of relatively low levels during asymptomatic phase, and increased expression only during late-stage CNS disease, particularly in association with severe disease. The ability of miR-29a to regulate TTP was confirmed, and evidence for additional miRNA targeters of TTP was found. However, increased miR-29a expression in brain was not found to be significantly negatively correlated with TTP. Similarly, increased TTP during late-stage disease was not associated with lower cytokine expression.

Conclusions

TTP expression is regulated during SIV infection of the CNS. The lack of significant negative correlation of miR-29a and TTP expression levels suggests that while miR-29a may contribute to TTP regulation, additional factors are involved. Reduced TTP expression during acute infection is consistent with increased cytokine production during this phase of infection, but the increases in TTP observed during late-stage infection were insufficient to halt runaway cytokine levels. While antisense inhibitors of the post-transcriptional targeters of TTP identified here could conceivably be used further to augment TTP regulation of cytokines, it is possible that high levels of TTP are undesirable. Additional research is needed to characterize members of the miRNA/TTP/cytokine regulatory network and identify nodes that may be best targeted therapeutically to ameliorate the effects of chronic inflammation in retrovirus-associated CNS disease.
Epigenetic coordination of signaling pathways during the epithelial-mesenchymal transition
Authors: Cieślik Marcin , Hoang Stephen A , Baranova Natalya , Chodaparambil Sanjay , Kumar Manish , Allison David F , Xu Xiaojiang , Wamsley J Jacob , Gray Lisa , Jones David R , Mayo Marty W , Bekiranov Stefan
Published: September 2013

Background

The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a de-differentiation process required for wound healing and development. In tumors of epithelial origin aberrant induction of EMT contributes to cancer progression and metastasis. Studies have begun to implicate epigenetic reprogramming in EMT; however, the relationship between reprogramming and the coordination of cellular processes is largely unexplored. We have previously developed a system to study EMT in a canonical non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) model. In this system we have shown that the induction of EMT results in constitutive NF-κB activity. We hypothesized a role for chromatin remodeling in the sustained deregulation of cellular signaling pathways.

Results

We mapped sixteen histone modifications and two variants for epithelial and mesenchymal states. Combinatorial patterns of epigenetic changes were quantified at gene and enhancer loci. We found a distinct chromatin signature among genes in well-established EMT pathways. Strikingly, these genes are only a small minority of those that are differentially expressed. At putative enhancers of genes with the ‘EMT-signature’ we observed highly coordinated epigenetic activation or repression. Furthermore, enhancers that are activated are bound by a set of transcription factors that is distinct from those that bind repressed enhancers. Upregulated genes with the ‘EMT-signature’ are upstream regulators of NF-κB, but are also bound by NF-κB at their promoters and enhancers. These results suggest a chromatin-mediated positive feedback as a likely mechanism for sustained NF-κB activation.

Conclusions

There is highly specific epigenetic regulation at genes and enhancers across several pathways critical to EMT. The sites of these changes in chromatin state implicate several inducible transcription factors with critical roles in EMT (NF-κB, AP-1 and MYC) as targets of this reprogramming. Furthermore, we find evidence that suggests that these transcription factors are in chromatin-mediated transcriptional feedback loops that regulate critical EMT genes. In sum, we establish an important link between chromatin remodeling and shifts in cellular reprogramming.
Similar cellular migration patterns from niches in intervertebral disc and in knee-joint regions detected by in situ labeling: an experimental study in the New Zealand white rabbit
Authors: Henriksson Helena Barreto , Lindahl Anders , Skioldebrand Eva , Junevik Katarina , Tängemo Carolina , Mattsson Johan , Brisby Helena
Published: September 2013

Introduction

Potential stem cell niches (SNs) were recently reported in intervertebral discs (IVDs) and knee joints (KJs) in different mammals (located adjacent to the epiphyseal plate; EP). The aim here was to examine further possible cellular migration and migration directions of cells originating from niches possibly involved in regeneration of cartilaginous tissues in the IVD and in the KJ regions in adult mammals.

Methods

In total, 33 rabbits were used in studies A through C.

IVD cells were sorted; fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) by size (forward scatter; ≤10 μm or >10 μm or GDF5+ cells (anti-GDF5 antibody). Sorted cells, labeled with cell tracer (carboxyfluorescein-diacetate-succinimidyl ester; CDFA-SE) were applied on IVD explants in vitro. Migrating cells/distance was evaluated by fluorescence- and confocal-microscopy (FC).

DNA labeling was performed with BrdU (oral administration). Animals were killed (14 to 56 days), KJs collected, and BrdU+ cells visualized with immunohistochemistry (IHC)/anti-BrdU antibody in SN and articular cartilage (AC).

Cell tracer: (Fe-nanoparticles: Endorem) were injected into SNs of IVDs (LI-LV) and KJs (tibia). Animals were killed after 2 to 6 weeks. Fe-labeled cells were traced by ferric-iron staining (Prussian blue reaction; Mallory method).

Results

A. GDF5+ cells and ≤10-μm cells displayed the best migration capability in IVD explants. GDF5+ cells were detected at a tissue depth of 1,300 μm (16 days). B. BrdU+ cells were observed in early time points in niches of KJs, and at later time points in AC, indicating a gradual migration of cells. C. Fe+ cells were detected in IVDs; in annulus fibrosus (AF) in 11 of 12 animals and in nucleus pulposus (NP) in two of 12 animals. In AC (tibia), Fe+ cells were detected in six of 12 animals. In the potential migration route (PMR), from niches toward the IVD, Fe+ cells (three of 12 animals) and in PMR toward AC (KJs) (six of 12 animals) were detected.

Conclusions

Results indicate similar cellular migration patterns in cartilage regions (IVD and KJs) with migration from stem cell niche areas into the mature cartilaginous tissues of both the KJs and the IVD. These findings of a cellular migration pattern in mature cartilage are of interest from tissue-repair and engineering perspectives.
Embedded-bound method for estimating the change in bulk modulus under either fluid or solid substitution
Authors: Mavko Gary , Saxena Nishank
Published: September 2013

Fluid and solid substitution of bulk modulus are exact and unique for materials whose elastic bulk and/or shear moduli fall on the Hashin-Shtrikman bounds. For materials whose moduli lie between the bounds, solid and fluid substitution of bulk moduli can be computed exactly, but not uniquely. Every initial bulk modulus can be realized with an infinite number of microstructures and therefore transform to an infinite number of moduli upon substitution of the pore fill. This nonuniqueness arises when detailed information on the material pore geometry is not available. We evaluated four embedded-bound constructions for fluid and solid substitution that were based on realizable materials. In the limiting case of pore fluids, two of these constructions reduced to the bounds of Gibiansky and Torquato, which illustrated that those bounds were optimum. For solids, the first two constructions corresponded to a homogeneous pore stiffness and predicted the smallest change in modulus. The third construction prediction corresponded to a pore space with heterogeneous stiffness, and it predicted a much larger change in modulus.
High-resolution prestack seismic inversion using a hybrid FISTA least-squares strategy
Authors: Pérez Daniel O. , Velis Danilo R. , Sacchi Mauricio D.
Published: September 2013

A new inversion method to estimate high-resolution amplitude-versus-angle attributes (AVA) attributes such as intercept and gradient from prestack data is presented. The proposed technique promotes sparse-spike reflectivities that, when convolved with the source wavelet, fit the observed data. The inversion is carried out using a hybrid two-step strategy that combines fast iterative shrinkage-thresholding algorithm (FISTA) and a standard least-squares (LS) inversion. FISTA, which can be viewed as an extension of the classical gradient algorithm, provides sparse solutions by minimizing the misfit between the modeled and the observed data, and the [Formula: see text]-norm of the solution. FISTA is used to estimate the location in time of the main reflectors. Then, LS is used to retrieve the appropriate reflectivity amplitudes that honor the data. FISTA, like other iterative solvers for [Formula: see text]-norm regularization, does not require matrices in explicit form, making it easy to apply, economic in computational terms, and adequate for solving large-scale problems. As a consequence, the FISTA+LS strategy represents a simple and cost-effective new procedure to solve the AVA inversion problem. Results on synthetic and field data show that the proposed hybrid method can obtain high-resolution AVA attributes from noisy observations, making it an interesting alternative to conventional methods.
Achieving transparency in forensic risk assessment: a multimodal approach
Authors: Horstead Amy , Cree Adrian
Published: September 2013

The Department of Health's best practice guidelines on risk management and violence prevention in UK mental health services highlight the importance of transparency and collaboration with service users. The recovery philosophy echoes the importance of service user inclusion and empowerment in treatment. Our experience in a medium and low secure hospital was that patients were largely excluded from the risk assessment process. In this article, we describe a model for achieving inclusion and transparency in the use of risk assessment tools based on structured professional judgement.
The interface between neurology and psychiatry: the case of multiple sclerosis
Authors: Wong Eugene K. O. , Krishnadas Rajeev , Cavanagh Jonathan
Published: September 2013

There has been a surge in interest in the boundaries of psychiatry, both as a specialty in its own right and as a branch of medicine separate from neurology. Our article expands on this, giving examples of how recent developments in neuroimmunology can be beneficial for psychiatry, using multiple sclerosis (MS) as an example. We also provide a summary of literature on novel research in the treatment of depression using anti-inflammatory agents. Finally, we suggest approaches to the identification and management of major depressive disorder in patients with MS or other physical illnesses, and how this translates to general psychiatric practice.
Trauma, bereavement and the creative process: Arshile Gorky's The Artist and His Mother
Authors: Pitman Alexandra
Published: September 2013

The artist Arshile Gorky played a central role in the development of Abstract Expressionism during the 1940s. Born in Armenia, his early figurative works recall a childhood of persecution by Ottoman Turks, a period during which he suffered a number of significant losses. The painting The Artist and His Mother (c. 1926–1936) is based on a photograph showing the 7-year-old Gorky with his mother, 7 years before she starved to death during the Armenian Genocide. This article explores the early experiences that haunt this painting and the difficulties Gorky struggled with during his adult life as an immigrant to the USA – factors that contribute to an understanding of his suicide in 1948.
Critical reflection: a sound foundation for learning and practice in psychiatry
Authors: Bekas Stavros
Published: September 2013

A genuinely critical and reflective approach to psychiatry can potentiate learning, improve practice and promote personal development. To support this assertion, I attempt to link theory and practice. Following a brief overview of the seminal ideas that permeate the literature on critical thinking, I present three perspectives of reflective practice – those of the psychiatric trainee, the teacher and the practitioner – through examples of reflective exploration of personal experience, under the light of relevant evidence. I conclude with a critique on the limitations of reflective psychiatry.
Social ecology interventions for post-traumatic stress disorder: what can we learn from child soldiers?
Authors: Kohrt Brandon
Published: September 2013

Research with child soldiers is crucial to improving mental health services after war. This research also can illuminate innovative approaches to treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among adult soldiers, veterans and other trauma survivors in high-income countries. A key contribution is the role of social ecology for trauma-healing interventions.
Assessing the severity of borderline personality disorder
Authors: Moran Paul , Crawford Mike J.
Published: September 2013

The identification of a reliable and valid severity index for borderline personality disorder has vexed researchers for decades. A simple, clinically intuitive severity index for borderline personality disorder with predictive validity has now been identified. This index could usefully guide treatment planning, but other contextual factors should also determine the need for specialist treatment.
Audit of combination and high-dose antipsychotic treatment in the community
Authors: Rajan Lovely , Clarke Ian
Published: September 2013

Aims and method

To estimate the community prevalence of combination antipsychotic therapy and high-dose antipsychotic treatment via audit. Patients with an ICD-10 diagnosis of schizophrenia were identified through the NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Health Board patient information management system and their mental health records examined.

Results

In audit 1, 135 records were examined. The age range of patients was 24–74 years; 73% were male. Twelve per cent were on combined antipsychotic treatment and 3.7% required high-dose antipsychotics. Sixty-nine per cent of patients had documented in their record the reason for combined antipsychotic treatment compared with 40% on high-dose antipsychotics. In audit 2 (1 year later), 150 records were examined. Demographic details and prescription patterns remained similar to that of audit 1. However, 10% of patients received combined antipsychotic therapy and 2% remained on high-dose antipsychotics. Documented reasons for combination therapy increased to 87%, and to 67% for patients on high-dose antipsychotics.

Clinical implications

We need robust clinical trials, overcoming the problems of clinical effectiveness and clinical efficiency, to establish the merits of preferred antipsychotic combinations, as combination and high-dose antipsychotic treatments are unlikely to be eliminated in clinical practice in the foreseeable future.
Venous thromboembolism incidence in mental health services for older people: survey of in-patient units
Authors: van Zyl Martin , Wieczorek Gillian , Reilly Joe
Published: September 2013

Aims and method

To establish the incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in mental health services for older people (MHSOP) in-patient units, and investigate current practice in terms of assessment of risk of VTE and treatment given. We conducted an incidence survey of VTE on in-patient units in MHSOP in a National Health Service trust, searching data of in-patients discharged over a 2-year period.

Results

Overall, 1495 individual patient records were searched. There were 17 confirmed VTEs, which is comparable with VTE incidence rates in general hospitals. There were no risk assessments done on admission and no thromboprophylaxis given. Use of compression stockings and mobilisation was limited.

Clinical implications

The study confirmed a significant VTE incidence and the need for increased awareness among MHSOP staff. This can be met by improved training of VTE awareness and management for clinical staff and the use of a VTE assessment tool on MHSOP in-patient units.
Scientific publishing – an unfair playing field
Authors: Pimm Jonathan
Published: September 2013

Standards and the pursuit of excellence are vital in healthcare and scientific investigation. Researchers must seek the most efficient, rigorous and robust methods available. Scientific journals acting as information distributors should only publish quality studies; such an ideal has become increasingly difficult to attain. To compete in the imperfect market of scientific publishing, The Psychiatrist will be open access from January 2014 and articles will be freely available ahead of print. There will be no publication costs to authors for at least the first 12 months and the journal will be re-launched under its old familiar name – the Psychiatric Bulletin.
Prevalence of antibiotic-resistant E. coli in retail chicken: comparing conventional, organic, kosher, and raised without antibiotics
Authors: Millman Jack M , Waits Kara , Grande Heidi , Marks Ann R , Marks Jane C , Price Lance B , Hungate Bruce A
Published: September 2013

Retail poultry products are known sources of antibiotic-resistant Escherichia coli, a major human health concern. Consumers have a range of choices for poultry, including conventional, organic, kosher, and raised without antibiotics (RWA) – designations that are perceived to indicate differences in quality and safety. However, whether these categories vary in the frequency of contamination with antibiotic-resistant E. coli is unknown. We examined the occurrence of antibiotic-resistant E. coli on raw chicken marketed as conventional, organic, kosher and RWA. From April – June 2012, we purchased 213 samples of raw chicken from 15 locations in the New York City metropolitan area. We screened E. coli isolates from each sample for resistance to 12 common antibiotics. Although the organic and RWA labels restrict the use of antibiotics, the frequency of antibiotic-resistant E. coli tended to be only slightly lower for RWA, and organic chicken was statistically indistinguishable from conventional products that have no restrictions. Kosher chicken had the highest frequency of antibiotic-resistant E. coli, nearly twice that of conventional products, a result that belies the historical roots of kosher as a means to ensure food safety. These results indicate that production methods influence the frequency of antibiotic-resistant E. coli on poultry products available to consumers. Future research to identify the specific practices that cause the high frequency of antibiotic-resistant E. coli in kosher chicken could promote efforts to reduce consumer exposure to this potential pathogen.
Odnawialne zródła energii w Polsce
Authors: Ignarska Magdalena
Published: September 2013

Renewable energy in Poland

Nowadays the renewables is a dynamically developing branch of industry, also in Poland. Electrical energy production based on mineral resources will give way to energy from renewable sources, whose main feature is their inexhaustibility. The article concentrates on the use of green energy, pointing out advantages, barriers and consequences of using alternative sources of energy. The Polish government has worked out a strategy of development of renewable energy which postulates raising renewable energy target from primary sources to 15% by 2020 in the total consumption of electrical energy in Poland.
„Tradycyjna przyjazń polsko-chińska” czy „niezłe perspektywy”? Stosunki polsko-chińskie od 1989 roku
Authors: Stec Grzegorz
Published: September 2013

“Traditional Polish-Chinese friendship” or “nice prospect”? Relations between Poland and China
The text is an analysis of Polish-Chinese relations with a special focus on the period from 1989 to 2012. The article looks at three aspects of the relations: political, economic and cultural. The article provides a description of various organizations that play an important role in raising new possibilities for cooperation between Poland and China. In conclusion the article gives an overall assessment of the relations between the two countries, makes an evaluation of what has been achieved so far and points out possible actions that the countries (especially Poland) should take.
Polska w Unii Europejskiej – proces akcesyjny i priorytety polskiej polityki w ramach UE
Authors: Chruściel Marcin , Kloc Karol
Published: September 2013

Poland in the European Union – the accession process and the priorities of Polish foreign policy in the EU

This paper presents the reasons for Poland’s accession to the EU – perceiving it as a modernization project and as a guarantee of Polish international safety. In the second part of the paper the authors analyze negotiations between Poland and the EU from a political and economic perspective. A number of information about the accession process is provided, as well as an explanation of the negotiation mechanism. The last part of the paper is an analysis of Polish Presidency of the European Union Council and a consideration of future priorities of Poland’s policy in the EU.
Problem ruchu bezwizowego w stosunkach polsko-amerykańskich po 1989 r.
Authors: Stolicki Dariusz
Published: September 2013

The issue of visa-free travel in U.S.-Polish relations after 1989 In the recent decade, the Polish efforts seeking extension of the U.S. Visa Waiver Program to Poland have been one of the major themes in U.S. -Polish relations and an important issue for the Polish public opinion. Polish politicians and media have often presented it in terms of American “ingratitude” for Polish support for U.S. positions like the Iraq war and the Ballistic Missile Defense program. This article, after brief outline of the provisions of the U.S. law governing visas and the Visa Waiver Program, presents a historical account of the issue and its role in bilateral relations since 1989, and describes legislative responses to Polish requests that have been introduced in Congress. After the analysis of those measures, the article concludes that the failure of Polish efforts for Poland’s inclusion in the Visa Waiver Program was caused primarily by mistaken strategy (overemphasis being put on conventional diplomacy over congressional lobbying), congressional reluctance to single out individual countries for exemption from generally applicable rules, and post -9/11 political climate, unfavorable to easing of immigration rules.
Stępione zmysły wielkiego niemowy
Authors: Biel Wojciech
Published: September 2013

The great mute’s blunted senses. The Polish Army in 1989-2012: selected issues

The article examines major issues of contemporary Polish Army. After the collapse of Communist regime, Poland overcame the legacy of its communist past and was ready to face new challenges, like joining NATO. Poland established civilian control of the military and the professional army. Poland’s participation in the military missions abroad coordinated by the USA led to the modernization of the Polish Army. But the shift in the U.S. foreign policies caused serious concern about Poland’s national security.
Europejska islamofobia a muzułmanie w Polsce
Authors: Górska Ewa
Published: September 2013

Studentka studiów II stopnia na kierunku studia bliskowschodnie w instytucie Bliskiego i Dalekiego Wschodu UJ oraz prawa. Do jej zainteresowan naukowych naleza m.in. szariat i prawo stanowione w krajach muzułmanskich oraz problematyka kultur prawnych i konfliktów na ich styku. Ponadto zajmuje sie nowymi mediami na Bliskim Wschodzie i ich wpływem na społeczenstwo i jego przemiany, zwłaszcza w kontekscie tzw. „Arabskiej Wiosny”.
Equipment Fragility Due to Shock Response
Authors: Tuan Christopher Y.
Published: September 2013

Because of its simplicity, the shock response spectrum has become widely used as a means of describing the shock responses and fragilities of structures and equipment. This paper focuses on the drawbacks of using the shock response spectrum for defining equipment shock tolerance. A cantilever beam with a tip mass was used to model a hypothetical piece of equipment subjected to strong ground motion such as that caused by an explosion. The exact solution from a detailed modal analysis shows that multiple modes of response were excited. Contributions from higher modes can be more predominant than that from the fundamental mode. Assuming the total response of equipment is predominantly in the first mode can lead to significant error. Current shock spectrum procedures for equipment fragility assessment are inadequate, not only because of the physical limitations of shake table tests, but also because of the lack of a reliable analytical model.
Synthesis of Higher Grade Fly Ash Zeolite X From Fly Ash via Three-Step Fusion
Authors: Jha Bhagwanjee , Singh D. N.
Published: September 2013

Several researchers have established the fusion of fly ash–NaOH mixtures at 450°C to 900°C. The fly ash gets partially converted to zeolite X when the fused ash is further treated in a hydrothermal system. However, such a solid residue (the end product) exhibits a low cation-exchange capacity. A culprit of such a deficiency in zeolite is improper contact between the NaOH and the fly ash particles during their fusion. To enhance the degree of fusion, in the present study we attempted to demonstrate a three-step fusion technique that does not favor any further treatment in a hydrothermal system. Observed changes in the characteristics (cation exchange capacity, pore volume, pore area, mineralogy, and thermal stability) of the end product of three-step fusion corresponding to an NaOH/fly ash ratio equal to 1.0 proves the suitability of this fusion technique for the synthesis of a better grade of zeolite X (viz., Na-X and Na-Y).
Prevention of Neonatal Staphylococcal Infection
Authors: Thomsen Isaac , Satti Komal Fayyaz , Creech C. Buddy
Published: September 2013

The prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) disease in neonatal intensive care units has risen sharply in recent years. Prevention of MRSA infection is of utmost importance given the high virulence and broad antibiotic resistance of this pathogen. A vaccine against this organism would be ideal to prevent infection in high-risk populations such as the premature infant. S. aureus produces a wide variety of virulence factors that function to evade the natural host response to this pathogen, and previous vaccine attempts have been unsuccessful. The objective of this review is to discuss the potential for a vaccine against S. aureus and to examine past attempts at the prevention of neonatal staphylococcal disease.
CD4 T Cells
Authors: Blosser Emily G. , Randolph David A.
Published: September 2013

The immune system has evolved to fend off challenges from a wide array of pathogens while maintaining tolerance to self-antigens and benign environmental antigens. CD4 helper T cells are critical in regulating these processes with different subsets of CD4 T cells responsible for regulating different facets of the immune system. T helper 1 (Th1) cells, which contribute to antiviral immunity, and T helper 2 (Th2) cells, which contribute to antihelminth immunity and allergy, were the first CD4 T cell subsets to be discovered. Recently a number of new subsets have been discovered. Here we review what is known about CD4 T cell subsets with particular focus on neonatal immunity.
Recommendations for Prevention and Control of Influenza in Children, 2013–2014
Authors:   COMMITTEE ON INFECTIOUS DISEASES, Brady Michael T. , Byington Carrie L. , Davies H. Dele , Edwards Kathryn M. , Jackson Mary Anne , Maldonado Yvonne A. , Murray Dennis L. , Orenstein Walter A. , Rathore Mobeen , Sawyer Mark , Schutze Gordon E. , Willoughby Rodney E. , Zaoutis Theoklis E.
Published: September 2013

The purpose of this statement is to update recommendations for routine use of seasonal influenza vaccine and antiviral medications for the prevention and treatment of influenza in children. Highlights for the upcoming 2013–2014 season include (1) this year’s trivalent influenza vaccine contains an A/California/7/2009 (H1N1) pdm09-like virus (same as 2012–2013); an A/Texas/50/2012 (H3N2) virus (antigenically like the 2012–2013 strain); and a B/Massachusetts/2/2012-like virus (a B/Yamagata lineage like 2012–2013 but a different virus); (2) new quadrivalent influenza vaccines with an additional B virus (B/Brisbane/60/2008-like virus [B/Victoria lineage]) have been licensed by the US Food and Drug Administration; (3) annual universal influenza immunization is indicated with either a trivalent or quadrivalent vaccine (no preference); and (4) the dosing algorithm for administration of influenza vaccine to children 6 months through 8 years of age is unchanged from 2012–2013. As always, pediatricians, nurses, and all health care personnel should promote influenza vaccine use and infection control measures. In addition, pediatricians should promptly identify influenza infections to enable rapid antiviral treatment, when indicated, to reduce morbidity and mortality.
Advancing the use of local ecological knowledge for assessing data‐poor species in coastal ecosystems
Authors: Beaudreau Anne H. , Levin Phillip S.
Published: September 2013

Many of the world's most vulnerable and rapidly changing ecosystems are also among the most data‐poor, leading to an increased interest in use of local ecological knowledge (LEK) to document long‐term environmental change. The integration of multiple knowledge sources for assessing species abundance and distribution has gained traction over the past decade as a growing number of case studies show concordance between LEK and scientific data. This study advances the use of quantitative approaches for synthesizing LEK by presenting a novel application of bootstrapping and statistical modeling to evaluate variance in ecological observations of fisheries practitioners. We developed an historical record of abundance for 22 marine species in Puget Sound, Washington (USA), using LEK, and we quantified variation in perceptions of abundance trends among fishers, divers, and researchers. These individuals differed in aspects of their information environments, which are characterized by how, when, and where an individual has acquired ecological information. Abundance trends derived from interviews suggest that populations of long‐lived rockfishes (Sebastes spp.) have been in decline since at least the 1960s and that three rockfishes protected under the Endangered Species Act were perceived as relatively less abundant than other species. Differences in perception of rockfish abundance trends among age groups were consistent with our hypothesis that the reported magnitude of decline in abundance would increase with age, with younger respondents more likely to report high abundance than older individuals across all periods. Temporal patterns in the mean and variance of reported rockfish abundance indices were qualitatively similar between fishers and researchers; however, fishers reported higher indices of abundance than researchers for all but one rockfish species. The two respondent groups reported similar changes in rockfish abundance from the 1940s to 2000s, except for two recreationally valuable species that fishers perceived as having undergone greater declines than perceived by researchers. When aggregated at appropriate spatial–temporal scales and in a culturally appropriate manner, observations of resource users are a valuable source of ecological information. Continued development of creative analytical tools for synthesizing multiple knowledge sources will be essential for advancing the formal use of LEK in assessments of marine species.
Exponential functions of discrete fractional calculus
Authors: Acar Nihan , Atici Ferhan
Published: September 2013

In this paper, exponential functions of discrete fractional calculus with the
nabla operator are studied. We begin with proving some properties of
exponential functions along with some relations to the discrete
Mittag-Leffler functions. We then study sequential linear difference
equations of fractional order with constant coefficients. A corresponding
characteristic equation is defined and considered in two cases where
characteristic real roots are same or distinct. We define a generalized
Casoratian for a set of discrete functions. As a consequence, for solutions
of sequential linear difference equations, their nonzero Casoratian ensures
their linear independence.
Effect of process parameters on the morphology and adsorption properties of nanocrystalline boehmite
Authors: Obrenovic Zoran , Nikolic Ljubica , Filipovic Radislav , Milanovic Marija , Stijepovic Ivan
Published: September 2013

In the last decade, exploration of transition alumina phases with good
adsorption properties has attracted a great research interest from both a
fundamental and a practical point of view. The transition phases of alumina
are metastable polymorphs of aluminum oxide formed through the thermal
dehydration of aluminum trihydroxide and aluminum oxyhydroxide. Powder X-ray
diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR),
scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and low-temperature nitrogen absorption
studies were employed to trace the formation of the transition phases of
alumina. In this work transition alumina powders were synthesized starting
from sodium aluminate solution prepared from Bayer liquor. The
neutralization of sodium aluminate solution was performed with the use of
sulphuric acid, while glucose was added in the starting solution. In this
way, the single phase nanocrystalline boehmite was obtained. As-synthesized
boehmite powders have high surface area (above 360 m2/g) and the average
crystallite size less than 5 nm. The results showed that the properties of
the powders (structure, morphology) are strongly influenced by the initial
pH value of sodium aluminate solution, as well as by the duration of
neutralization step.
An alkali catalyzed trans-esterification of rice bran, cottonseed and waste cooking oil
Authors: Akhtar Faheem , Elsheikh Yasir , Bassyouni M. , Kaukab Monazza , Muhammad Ayyaz , Feroze Nadeem
Published: September 2013

In this research work, biodiesel production by trans-esterification of three
raw materials including virgin and used edible oil and non edible oil has
been presented. A two step method following acidic and alkali catalyst was
used for non edible oil due to the unsuitability of using the straight
alkaline-catalyzed trans-esterification of high FFA present in rice bran
oil. The acid value after processing for rice bran, cottonseed and waste
cooking oil was found to be 0.95, 0.12 and 0.87 respectively. The influence
of three variables on percentage yield i.e., methanol to oil molar ratio,
reaction temperature and reaction time were studied at this stage.
Cottonseed oil, waste cooking oil and rice bran oil showed a maximum yield
of 91.7%, 84.1% and 87.1% under optimum conditions. Fuel properties of the
three biodiesel satisfied standard biodiesel fuel results.
Investigation and detection of cyanobacterial Cr-phycoerythrin by laser based techniques
Authors: Marinkovic Bratislav , Delneri Ambra , Rabasovic Maja , Terzic Mira , Franko Mladen , Sevic Dragutin
Published: September 2013

The application of a high-sensitivity method of time resolved laser induced
fluorescence (TR-LIF) and Flow-injection system by thermal lens spectrometry
(FIA-TLS) for the analysis of Cr-Phycoerythrin (Cr-PE) isolated from a
proprietary cyanobacterium is presented. In the excitation wavelength range
(340-470 nm) fluorescent spectra exhibit a pronounced maximum at 575 nm.
Another maximum, at about 600 nm can be also observed. The obtained results
are used to verify the technical parameters of the used thermal lens
technique, which is complementary to spectrofluorimetry and subject to lower
sensitivity in case of high fluorescence quantum yields and photolability of
measured compounds.
A case of Japanese encephalitis in a 20 year-old Spanish sportsman, February 2013
Authors: Doti P , Castro P , Martínez M J , Zboromyrska Y , Aldasoro E , Inciarte A , Requena-Méndez A , Milisenda J , Fernández S , Nicolás J M , Muñoz J
Published: September 2013

We report a severe case of imported Japanese encephalitis (JE) in a healthy young Spanish traveller who developed symptoms after spending three weeks in a touristic area of Thailand. The patient was diagnosed in Thailand and subsequently transferred to Barcelona, Spain, where the Thai laboratory results were confirmed based on IgM serology. Although JE is a rare disease in travellers, this case illustrates the need for seeking travel medical advice before visiting tropical countries.
Global Efforts towards Quality Education for All: Evidence and Reflections from an International and Comparative Educational Perspective
Authors: Chinapah Vinayagum , Cars Mikiko , Grinberg Sarit
Published: September 2013

In the process of constructing post-2015 development global frameworks, education is increasingly seen globally to be a powerful tool for preparing students to enter labor market as well as to create a peaceful and sustainable society. International and comparative educational research conducted on the achievement of the EFA goals has clearly revealed that despite important efforts accomplished in many countries, there are still serious challenges in terms of the quality of education that is offered. The paper examines the extent to which a minimum Quality of Education for All (QEFA) can be reached through effective use and application of evidence-based international and comparative educational research. Global efforts to attain QEFA are examined by investigating major international surveys of learning outcomes. The case of Arab states demonstrates diverse socio economic and political contexts of each country and should be reflected in regional strategies to achieve QEFA. Evidence from data on national, regional and international assessments indicates that low achievement is globally widespread and stronger government intervention will be needed. This research demonstrates that the diversity of learning conditions and environment across and within countries should be carefully reflected into quality assurance by enhancing each individual's learning potentials.
Lived Experiences of Middle Level Leaders in the Nepali Institutional Schools
Authors: Kafle Narayan Prasad
Published: September 2013

This paper explicates the contextually embedded meaning of being middle level leaders in the Nepali institutional schools. Using in-depth interview and protocol writing as the means of data generation, this article unearths the experience of three middle level leaders. Distributed leadership theory (Spillane, 2006) and its constructs of leadership plus aspect and leadership practice aspect provide the theoretical lens to unveil the myths and realities of being middle level leaders. All three participants shared their common acknowledgement about the significance and sensitivity of middle level leadership roles for school administration and effectiveness. Individual essence of being a middle level leader was contingent on the very context where they worked. Their feelings of being relegated and marginalized, helplessness or high exhilaration were subjects to the contextual reality.
Sôma,technêand the Somatechnics of Sexual Difference
Authors: Sampson Kristin
Published: September 2013

This article investigates what may be called a somatechnics of sexual difference by way of making a detour through the classical Greek notions of sôma and technê. An emphasis is put upon a tension between different figurations of these notions within an ancient Greek context, exemplified through a contrast, or counterpoint, between a later Platonic and earlier pre-Platonic significance of these words. Taking some of the various denotations that sôma and technê carry within early Greek thinking both as a point of departure and as a means of providing an outside to more contemporary ways of conceptualizing and understanding corporeality and technology, the article attempts to use this as a background in order to shed light upon sexual difference. That is to say, I am addressing three different contexts in this article: The first is a pre-Platonic context. The second is a later, classical context: the context of Plato, if you will. These two constitute a background in order to shed light upon the third contemporary one, where the concept of somatechnics as well as the notion of sexual difference as conceived by Luce Irigaray belong.
Monster Trans: Diffracting Affect, Reading Rage
Authors: Weaver Harlan
Published: September 2013

This article examines the somatechnics of the monstrous anger and intense feelings that move, wave-like, through Mary Shelley's Frankenstein and Susan Stryker's ‘My Words to Victor Frankenstein above the Village of Chamounix: Performing Transgender Rage’. Throughout, I examine how these feelings diffract through nodes in the texts and map out not only important differences between them, but also larger diffraction patterns that touch and move their readers: monstrous genders, language as a tool for resistance to abjection, queer kinships that lead to transformation, and a monstrous fury that reconfigures language. Taking up Karen Barad's notion of ‘intra-action’, I argue that the somatechnics of bodily feelings that move through these texts and push at their readers interpellate those of us who are open to thinking with Stryker into new and different understandings of language, materiality, and gender.
Somatechnics of Consensus: Situating the Biomedicalisation of Intersex
Authors: Alm Erika
Published: September 2013

This article makes an inquiry into how the orientation towards consensus shapes the somatechnics of intersex ( Ahmed 2006 , 2007 ; Sullivan 2009a , 2009b ). The article takes its departure in the concept of somatechnics and the theoretical framework of biomedicalisation ( Clarke et al 2003 ), two theoretical perspectives that transgress the standoff between discursive and material approaches and challenge the notion that there is such a thing as pre-discursive, purely material bodies that discourses act upon, pointing towards the fact that ‘modes and practices of corporeality are always-already, and without exception, in-relation and in-process’ ( Sullivan 2009a ). In order to explore the complexity of the somatechnics of intersex, encompassing networks of organisations, communication channels, alliances, narratives, clinical protocols, surgical interventions, feminist critique and activist resistance, this inquiry tries to situate somatechnical practices by means of exploring local somatechnics of intersex, using the differences and similarities between US and Swedish contexts as a case study. The article also explores how the somatechnics of consensus as expressed within activist organisations sets boundaries for how feminist critique is formulated and enacted.
Quantitative Trait Loci Mapping Problem: An Extinction-Based Multi-Objective Evolutionary Algorithm Approach
Authors: Ghaffarizadeh Ahmadreza , Eftekhari Mehdi , Esmailizadeh Ali , Flann Nicholas
Published: September 2013

The Quantitative Trait Loci (QTL) mapping problem aims to identify regions in the genome that are linked to phenotypic features of the developed organism that vary in degree. It is a principle step in determining targets for further genetic analysis and is key in decoding the role of specific genes that control quantitative traits within species. Applications include identifying genetic causes of disease, optimization of cross-breeding for desired traits and understanding trait diversity in populations. In this paper a new multi-objective evolutionary algorithm (MOEA) method is introduced and is shown to increase the accuracy of QTL mapping identification for both independent and epistatic loci interactions. The MOEA method optimizes over the space of possible partial least squares (PLS) regression QTL models and considers the conflicting objectives of model simplicity versus model accuracy. By optimizing for minimal model complexity, MOEA has the advantage of solving the over-fitting problem of conventional PLS models. The effectiveness of the method is confirmed by comparing the new method with Bayesian Interval Mapping approaches over a series of test cases where the optimal solutions are known. This approach can be applied to many problems that arise in analysis of genomic data sets where the number of features far exceeds the number of observations and where features can be highly correlated.