bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Heavy-metal resistance in Gram-negative bacteria isolated from Kongsfjord, Arctic
Authors: Neethu C.S. , Mujeeb Rahiman K.M. , Saramma A.V. , Mohamed Hatha A.A.
Published: April 2015

Isolation and characterization of heterotrophic Gram-negative bacteria was carried out from the sediment and water samples collected from Kongsfjord, Arctic. In this study, the potential of Arctic bacteria to tolerate heavy metals that are of ecological significance to the Arctic (selenium (Se), mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn)) was investigated. Quantitative assay of 130 isolates by means of plate diffusion and tube dilution methods was carried out by incorporation of different concentrations of metals. Growth in Se and Pb at a concentration of 3000 μg/L was significantly lower (P ≤ 0.0001) than at 2000 μg/L. The minimum inhibitory concentration for Cd and Hg was 50 μg/L (P ≤ 0.0001, F = 264.23 and P ≤ 0.0001, F = 291.08, respectively) even though in the tube dilution test, Hg-containing tubes showed much less growth, revealing its superior toxicity to Cd. Thus, the level of toxicity of heavy metals was found to be in the order of Hg > Cd > Cu > Zn > Pb > Se. Multiple-metal-resistant isolates were investigated for their resistance against antibiotics, and a positive correlation was observed between antibiotic and metal resistance for all the isolates tested. The resistant organisms thus observed might influence the organic and inorganic cycles in the Arctic and affect the ecosystem.
Long-term pretreatment with desethylamiodarone (DEA) or amiodarone (AMIO) protects against coronary artery occlusion induced ventricular arrhythmias in conscious rats
Authors: Morvay Nikolett , Baczkó István , Sztojkov-Ivanov Anita , Falkay György , Papp Julius Gy. , Varró András , Leprán István
Published: April 2015

The aim of this investigation was to compare the effectiveness of long-term pretreatment with amiodarone (AMIO) and its active metabolite desethylamiodarone (DEA) on arrhythmias induced by acute myocardial infarction in rats. Acute myocardial infarction was induced in conscious, male, Sprague–Dawley rats by pulling a previously inserted loose silk loop around the left main coronary artery. Long-term oral pretreatment with AMIO (30 or 100 mg·(kg body mass)−1·day−1, loading dose 100 or 300 mg·kg−1 for 3 days) or DEA (15 or 50 mg·kg−1·day−1, loading dose 100 or 300 mg·kg−1 for 3 days), was applied for 1 month before the coronary artery occlusion. Chronic oral treatment with DEA (50 mg·kg−1·day−1) resulted in a similar myocardial DEA concentration as chronic AMIO treatment (100 mg·kg−1·day−1) in rats (7.4 ± 0.7 μg·g−1 and 8.9 ± 2.2 μg·g−1). Both pretreatments in the larger doses significantly improved the survival rate during the acute phase of experimental myocardial infarction (82% and 64% by AMIO and DEA, respectively, vs. 31% in controls). Our results demonstrate that chronic oral treatment with DEA resulted in similar cardiac tissue levels to that of chronic AMIO treatment, and offered an equivalent degree of antiarrhythmic effect against acute coronary artery ligation induced ventricular arrhythmias in conscious rats.
An Association-Based Unified Framework for Mining Features and Opinion Words
Authors: Hai Zhen , Chang Kuiyu , Cong Gao , Yang Christopher C.
Published: April 2015

Mining features and opinion words is essential for fine-grained opinion analysis of customer reviews. It is observed that semantic dependencies naturally exist between features and opinion words, even among features or opinion words themselves. In this article, we employ a corpus statistics association measure to quantify the pairwise word dependencies and propose a generalized association-based unified framework to identify features, including explicit and implicit features, and opinion words from reviews. We first extract explicit features and opinion words via an
association-based bootstrapping
method (ABOOT). ABOOT starts with a small list of annotated feature seeds and then iteratively recognizes a large number of domain-specific features and opinion words by discovering the corpus statistics association between each pair of words on a given review domain. Two instances of this ABOOT method are evaluated based on two particular association models,
likelihood ratio tests
(LRTs) and
latent semantic analysis
(LSA). Next, we introduce a natural extension to identify implicit features by employing the recognized known semantic correlations between features and opinion words. Experimental results illustrate the benefits of the proposed association-based methods for identifying features and opinion words versus benchmark methods.
Stakeholder Analyses of Firm-Related Web Forums
Authors: Zimbra David , Chen Hsinchun , Lusch Robert F.
Published: April 2015

In this study, we present stakeholder analyses of firm-related web forums. Prior analyses of firm-related forums have considered all participants in the aggregate, failing to recognize the potential for diversity within the populations. However, distinctive groups of forum participants may represent various interests and stakes in a firm worthy of consideration. To perform the stakeholder analyses, the Stakeholder Analyzer system for firm-related web forums is developed following the design science paradigm of information systems research. The design of the system and its approach to stakeholder analysis is guided by two kernel theories, the stakeholder theory of the firm and the systemic functional linguistic theory. A stakeholder analysis identifies distinctive groups of forum participants with shared characteristics expressed in discussion and evaluates their specific opinions and interests in the firm. Stakeholder analyses are performed in six major firm-related forums hosted on Yahoo Finance over a 3-month period. The relationships between measures extracted from the forums and subsequent daily firm stock returns are examined using multiple linear regression models, revealing statistically significant indicators of firm stock returns in the discussions of the stakeholder groups of each firm with stakeholder-model-adjusted R
2
values reaching 0.83. Daily stock return prediction is also performed for 31 trading days, and stakeholder models correctly predicted the direction of return on 67% of trading days and generated an impressive 17% return in simulated trading of the six firm stocks. These evaluations demonstrate that the stakeholder analyses provided more refined assessments of the firm-related forums, yielding measures at the stakeholder group level that better explain and predict daily firm stock returns than aggregate forum-level information.
Unbiased Characterization of Node Pairs over Large Graphs
Authors: Wang Pinghui , Zhao Junzhou , Lui John C. S. , Towsley Don , Guan Xiaohong
Published: April 2015

Characterizing user pair relationships is important for applications such as friend recommendation and interest targeting in online social networks (OSNs). Due to the large-scale nature of such networks, it is infeasible to enumerate all user pairs and thus sampling is used. In this article, we show that it is a great challenge for OSN service providers to characterize user pair relationships, even when they possess the complete graph topology. The reason is that when sampling techniques (i.e., uniform vertex sampling (UVS) and random walk (RW)) are naively applied, they can introduce large biases, particularly for estimating similarity distribution of user pairs with constraints like existence of mutual neighbors, which is important for applications such as identifying network homophily. Estimating statistics of user pairs is more challenging in the absence of the complete topology information, as an unbiased sampling technique like UVS is usually not allowed and exploring the OSN graph topology is expensive. To address these challenges, we present unbiased sampling methods to characterize user pair properties based on UVS and RW techniques. We carry out an evaluation of our methods to show their accuracy and efficiency. Finally, we apply our methods to three OSNs—Foursquare, Douban, and Xiami—and discover that significant homophily is present in these networks.
Data Mining of Online Genealogy Datasets for Revealing Lifespan Patterns in Human Population
Authors: Fire Michael , Elovici Yuval
Published: April 2015

Online genealogy datasets contain extensive information about millions of people and their past and present family connections. This vast amount of data can help identify various patterns in the human population. In this study, we present methods and algorithms that can assist in identifying variations in lifespan distributions of the human population in the past centuries, in detecting social and genetic features that correlate with the human lifespan, and in constructing predictive models of human lifespan based on various features that can easily be extracted from genealogy datasets.

We have evaluated the presented methods and algorithms on a large online genealogy dataset with over a million profiles and over 9 million connections, all of which were collected from the WikiTree website. Our findings indicate that significant but small positive correlations exist between the parents’ lifespan and their children’s lifespan. Additionally, we found slightly higher and significant correlations between the lifespans of spouses. We also discovered a very small positive and significant correlation between longevity and reproductive success in males, and a small and significant negative correlation between longevity and reproductive success in females. Moreover, our predictive models presented results with a Mean Absolute Error as low as 13.18 in predicting the lifespans of individuals who outlived the age of 10, and our classification models presented better than random classification results in predicting which people who outlive the age of 50 will also outlive the age of 80.

We believe that this study will be the first of many studies to utilize the wealth of data on human populations, existing in online genealogy datasets, to better understand factors that influence the human lifespan. Understanding these factors can assist scientists in providing solutions for successful aging.
A Systematic Literature Review on Global Software Development Life Cycle
Authors: Jain Ritu , Suman Ugrasen
Published: April 2015

Global software development (GSD) has now become a prominent software development paradigm. Software companies are increasingly adopting GSD approaches in order to produce high quality software. GSD's popularity has attracted the researchers to investigate this field, but most of the research work related to global software development cycle is scattered. Therefore, there is a need to integrate and compile all research work related to GSD life cycle to provide a consolidated understanding for software practitioners as well as researchers. In this paper, we report our findings through systematic literature review that aimed at identifying the challenges faced by the globally distributed teams during various phases of software development. We have also discussed suggested best practices, and tools that can be helpful in alleviating these challenges.
Re-architecture of Contiki and Cooja Regression Test Suites using Combinatorial Testing Approach
Authors: Patil Abhinandan H. , Goveas Neena , Rangarajan Krishnan
Published: April 2015

In this paper, we describe how combinatorial testing can be applied to re-architecture Contiki and Cooja regression test suites. Contiki is the popular and widely accepted internet of things operating system. Combinatorial testing was pioneered by National Institute of Standards and Technology. National Institute of Standards and Technology offers a set of tools to public. One such tool is Automated Combinatorial Testing for Software. We describe how Automated Combinatorial Testing for Software can be used to generate a complete test suite for Contiki and Cooja. Coverage of base test suite is gathered using CodeCover, a code coverage tool for Java. The low percentage of coverage in Cooja indicated the need for a redesign of test suite. Once the base regression test suite is modified using Combinatorial Testing approach, it can be the new base regression test suite.
Design of an Abstraction Layer for Communication with BOSH XMPP Server
Authors: P Vignesh , S Selvakumar
Published: April 2015

XMPP (eXtensible Message and Presence Protocol) is a well structured and constantly evolving protocol that is being used for communication between a client and a server and from the server to one or a group of clients simultaneously. This protocol is being used in typical social networking applications such as Facebook, Google+, Google Hangouts, Twitter, etc. The client to server communication involves constructing long XML body for sending messages. Then the server adds more details in XML body and sends it to the appropriate client or a group of clients. At the receiving side parsing of XML body is more complex. At the client side, constructing the large XML body, which follows the protocol standards, is very difficult for a developer and blows up the development time. The developer not only has to know the protocol inside out but also has to write code that handles various cases. This calls for a simplified implementation of XMPP. The solution to this problem is to propose the design of an abstraction layer, which creates an object with which the developer interacts. The Object in turn handles the construction and parsing of the XML body. This object should also handle various connection issues gracefully and should be able to send the various presence stanzas, which the protocol requires. For using this object the developer imports the library and invokes the object and need not know any intricate details of the protocol. This idea of creating an object, which abstracts the XMP Protocol, is inspired by the MySQL JDBC (Java Database Connector), which is currently being used to connect to MySQL server. The proposed Abstraction Layer was developed using CoffeeScript and it was benchmarked using Chrome Developer Tools CPU Profiler.
Intermittent stretch training of rabbit plantarflexor muscles increases soleus mass and serial sarcomere number
Authors: De Jaeger Dominique , Joumaa Venus , Herzog Walter
Published: April 2015

In humans, enhanced joint range of motion is observed after static stretch training and results either from an increased stretch tolerance or from a change in the biomechanical properties of the muscle-tendon unit. We investigated the effects of an intermittent stretch training on muscle biomechanical and structural variables. The left plantarflexors muscles of seven anesthetized New Zealand (NZ) White rabbits were passively and statically stretched three times a week for 4 wk, while the corresponding right muscles were used as nonstretched contralateral controls. Before and after the stretching protocol, passive torque produced by the left plantarflexor muscles as a function of the ankle angle was measured. The left and right plantarflexor muscles were harvested from dead rabbits and used to quantify possible changes in muscle structure. Significant mass and serial sarcomere number increases were observed in the stretched soleus but not in the plantaris or medial gastrocnemius. This difference in adaptation between the plantarflexors is thought to be the result of their different fiber type composition and pennation angles. Neither titin isoform nor collagen amount was modified in the stretched compared with the control soleus muscle. Passive torque developed during ankle dorsiflexion was not modified after the stretch training on average, but was decreased in five of the seven experimental rabbits. Thus, an intermittent stretching program similar to those used in humans can produce a change in the muscle structure of NZ White rabbits, which was associated in some rabbits with a change in the biomechanical properties of the muscle-tendon unit.
Estrogen inhibits lysyl oxidase and decreases mechanical function in engineered ligaments
Authors: Lee Cassandra A. , Lee-Barthel Ann , Marquino Louise , Sandoval Natalie , Marcotte George R. , Baar Keith
Published: April 2015

Women are more likely to suffer an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture than men, and the incidence of ACL rupture in women rises with increasing estrogen levels. We used an engineered ligament model to determine how an acute rise in estrogen decreases the mechanical properties of ligaments. Using fibroblasts isolated from human ACLs from male or female donors, we engineered ligaments and determined that ligaments made from female ACL cells had more collagen and were equal in strength to those made from male ACL cells. We then treated engineered ligaments for 14 days with low (5 pg/ml), medium (50 pg/ml), or high (500 pg/ml) estrogen, corresponding to the range of in vivo serum estrogen concentrations and found that collagen within the grafts increased without a commensurate increase in mechanical strength. Mimicking the menstrual cycle, with 12 days of low estrogen followed by 2 days of physiologically high estrogen, resulted in a decrease in engineered ligament mechanical function with no change in the amount of collagen in the graft. The decrease in mechanical stiffness corresponded with a 61.7 and 76.9% decrease in the activity of collagen cross-linker lysyl oxidase with 24 and 48 h of high estrogen, respectively. Similarly, grafts treated with the lysyl oxidase inhibitor β-aminoproprionitrile (BAPN) for 24 h showed a significant decrease in ligament mechanical strength [control (CON) = 1.58 ± 0.06 N; BAPN = 1.06 ± 0.13 N] and stiffness (CON = 7.7 ± 0.46 MPa; BAPN = 6.1 ± 0.71 MPa) without changing overall collagen levels (CON = 396 ± 11.5 μg; BAPN = 382 ± 11.6 μg). Together, these data suggest that the rise in estrogen during the follicular phase decreases lysyl oxidase activity in our engineered ligament model and if this occurs in vivo may decrease the stiffness of ligaments and contribute to the elevated rate of ACL rupture in women.
CMVpp65 Vaccine Enhances the Antitumor Efficacy of Adoptively Transferred CD19-Redirected CMV-Specific T Cells
Authors: Wang Xiuli , Wong ChingLam W. , Urak Ryan , Mardiros Armen , Budde Lihua E. , Chang Wen-Chung , Thomas Sandra H. , Brown Christine E. , La Rosa Corinna , Diamond Don J. , Jensen Michael C. , Nakamura Ryotaro , Zaia John A. , Forman Stephen J.
Published: April 2015

Purpose: T cells engineered with chimeric antigen receptors (CAR) recognizing CD19 can induce complete remission of B-cell malignancies in clinical trials; however, in some disease settings, CAR therapy confers only modest clinical benefit due to attenuated persistence of CAR T cells. The purpose of this study was to enhance persistence and augment the antitumor activity of adoptively transferred CD19CAR T cells by restimulating CAR+ T cells through an endogenous cytomegalovirus (CMV)-specific T-cell receptor.

Experimental Design: CMV-specific T cells from CMV seropositive healthy donors were selected after stimulation with pp65 protein and transduced with clinical-grade lentivirus expressing the CD19R:CD28:ζ/EGFRt CAR. The resultant bispecific T cells, targeting CMV and CD19, were expanded via CD19 CAR-mediated signals using CD19-expressing cells.

Results: The bispecific T cells proliferated vigorously after engagement with either endogenous CMVpp65 T-cell receptors or engineered CD19 CARs, exhibiting specific cytolytic activity and IFNγ secretion. Upon adoptive transfer into immunodeficient mice bearing human lymphomas, the bispecific T cells exhibited proliferative response and enhanced antitumor activity following CMVpp65 peptide vaccine administration.

Conclusions: We have redirected CMV-specific T cells to recognize and lyse tumor cells via CD19CARs, while maintaining their ability to proliferate in response to CMV antigen stimulation. These results illustrate the clinical applications of CMV vaccine to augment the antitumor activity of adoptively transferred CD19CAR T cells in patients with B-cell malignancies. Clin Cancer Res; 21(13); 2993–3002. ©2015 AACR.
Primary and Acquired Resistance of Colorectal Cancer to Anti-EGFR Monoclonal Antibody Can Be Overcome by Combined Treatment of Regorafenib with Cetuximab
Authors: Napolitano Stefania , Martini Giulia , Rinaldi Barbara , Martinelli Erika , Donniacuo Maria , Berrino Liberato , Vitagliano Donata , Morgillo Floriana , Barra Giusy , De Palma Raffaele , Merolla Francesco , Ciardiello Fortunato , Troiani Teresa
Published: April 2015

Purpose: In colorectal cancer, the activation of the intracellular RAS–RAF and PIK3CA–AKT pathways has been implicated in the resistance to anti-EGFR mAbs. We have investigated the role of regorafenib, an oral multikinase inhibitor, in combination with cetuximab, an anti-EGFR mAb, to overcome anti-EGFR resistance.

Experimental Design: We have tested, in vitro and in vivo, the effects of regorafenib in a panel of human colorectal cancer cell lines with a KRAS mutation (SW480, SW620, HCT116, LOVO, and HCT15) or with a BRAF mutation (HT29), as models of intrinsic resistance to cetuximab treatment, and in two human colorectal cancer cell lines (GEO and SW48) that are cetuximab-sensitive, as well as in their derived cells with acquired resistance to cetuximab (GEO-CR and SW48-CR).

Results: Treatment with regorafenib determined a dose-dependent growth inhibition in all colorectal cancer cell lines. The combined treatment with cetuximab and regorafenib induced synergistic antiproliferative and apoptotic effects in cetuximab-resistant cell lines by blocking MAPK and AKT pathways. Nude mice were injected s.c. with HCT116, HCT15, GEO-CR, and SW48-CR cells. The combined treatment caused significant tumor growth inhibition. Synergistic antitumor activity of regorafenib plus cetuximab was also observed in an orthotopic colorectal cancer model of HCT116 cells. In particular, the combined treatment induced a significant tumor growth inhibition in the primary tumor site (cecum) and completely prevented metastasis formation.

Conclusions: The combined treatment with cetuximab and regorafenib could be a strategy to overcome resistance to anti-EGFR therapies in metastatic colorectal cancer patients. Clin Cancer Res; 21(13); 2975–83. ©2015 AACR.
Lean and Obese Coronary Perivascular Adipose Tissue Impairs Vasodilation via Differential Inhibition of Vascular Smooth Muscle K
+
Channels
Authors: Noblet Jillian N. , Owen Meredith K. , Goodwill Adam G. , Sassoon Daniel J. , Tune Johnathan D.
Published: April 2015

Objective—

The effects of coronary perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) on vasomotor tone are influenced by an obese phenotype and are distinct from other adipose tissue depots. The purpose of this investigation was to examine the effects of lean and obese coronary PVAT on end-effector mechanisms of coronary vasodilation and to identify potential factors involved.

Approach and Results—

Hematoxylin and eosin staining revealed similarities in coronary perivascular adipocyte size between lean and obese Ossabaw swine. Isometric tension studies of isolated coronary arteries from Ossabaw swine revealed that factors derived from lean and obese coronary PVAT attenuated vasodilation to adenosine. Lean coronary PVAT inhibited K
Ca
and K
V
7, but not K
ATP
channel-mediated dilation in lean arteries. In the absence of PVAT, vasodilation to K
Ca
and K
V
7 channel activation was impaired in obese arteries relative to lean arteries. Obese PVAT had no effect on K
Ca
or K
V
7 channel-mediated dilation in obese arteries. In contrast, obese PVAT inhibited K
ATP
channel-mediated dilation in both lean and obese arteries. The differential effects of obese versus lean PVAT were not associated with changes in either coronary K
V
7 or K
ATP
channel expression. Incubation with calpastatin attenuated coronary vasodilation to adenosine in lean but not in obese arteries.

Conclusions—

These findings indicate that lean and obese coronary PVAT attenuates vasodilation via inhibitory effects on vascular smooth muscle K
+
channels and that alterations in specific factors such as calpastatin are capable of contributing to the initiation or progression of smooth muscle dysfunction in obesity.
Three-dimensional Imaging Reveals New Compartments and Structural Adaptations in Odontoblasts
Authors: Khatibi Shahidi M. , Krivanek J. , Kaukua N. , Ernfors P. , Hladik L. , Kostal V. , Masich S. , Hampl A. , Chubanov V. , Gudermann T. , Romanov R.A. , Harkany T. , Adameyko I. , Fried K.
Published: April 2015

In organized tissues, the precise geometry and the overall shape are critical for the specialized functions that the cells carry out. Odontoblasts are major matrix-producing cells of the tooth and have also been suggested to participate in sensory transmission. However, refined morphologic data on these important cells are limited, which hampers the analysis and understanding of their cellular functions. We took advantage of fluorescent color-coding genetic tracing to visualize and reconstruct in 3 dimensions single odontoblasts, pulp cells, and their assemblages. Our results show distinct structural features and compartments of odontoblasts at different stages of maturation, with regard to overall cellular shape, formation of the main process, orientation, and matrix deposition. We demonstrate previously unanticipated contacts between the processes of pulp cells and odontoblasts. All reported data are related to mouse incisor tooth. We also show that odontoblasts express TRPM5 and Piezo2 ion channels. Piezo2 is expressed ubiquitously, while TRPM5 is asymmetrically distributed with distinct localization to regions proximal to and within odontoblast processes.
Good Guys Are Still Always in White? Positive Change and Continued Misrepresentation of Race and Crime on Local Television News
Authors: Dixon Travis L.
Published: April 2015

A content analysis of a random sample of Los Angeles television news programs was used to assess racial representations of perpetrators, victims, and officers. A series of comparisons were used to assess whether local news depictions differed from outside indicators of social reality. In a significant departure from prior research, they revealed that perpetration was accurately depicted on local TV news. Blacks, in particular, were accurately depicted as perpetrators, victims, and officers. However, although Latinos were accurately depicted as perpetrators, they continued to be underrepresented as victims and officers. Conversely, Whites remained significantly overrepresented as victims and officers. The implications of these findings are discussed in light of incognizant racism, ethnic blame discourse, structural limitations, and the guard dog perspective of news media.
Chest CT at a dose below 0.3 mSv: impact of iterative reconstruction on image quality and lung analysis
Authors: Nakajo Chiaki , Heinzer Susanne , Montandon Stéphane , Dunet Vincent , Bize Pierre , Feldman Andrei , Beigelman-Aubry Catherine
Published: April 2015

Background

In chest computed tomography (CT), iterative reconstruction (IR) algorithms maintain diagnostic image quality (IQ) while significantly reducing the dose.

Purpose

To evaluate the impact of IR on IQ of chest CT at effective doses below 0.3 mSv.

Material and Methods

Twenty chest CT scans performed at effective dose below 0.3 mSv (CT1) were reconstructed varying three parameters: filtered back-projection and IR iDose4 algorithms; 512 × 512 and 768 × 768 matrices; and sharp and soft kernels, thus generating eight series per patient. The qualitative evaluation of the IQ was performed by ranking series from 1 to 8 (8 corresponding to the highest rank) which was subsequently compared to quantitative assessment of IQ by using an appropriated merit formula. Intra- and inter-reader IQ ranking reliability was also evaluated using Cohen’s kappa. Analysis of lung findings was finally compared between the best CT1 series and the reference CT (CT0).

Results

The best series in terms of qualitative and quantitative IQ was obtained using IR, 5122 matrix and soft kernel. The best CT1 series detected nodules greater than 4 mm with an almost perfect match with CT0.

Conclusion

Chest CT performed at effective doses below 0.3 mSv may be used to confidently diagnose lesions greater than 4 mm using iDose4, soft kernel and 512 × 512 matrix.
Evaluation of uterine peristalsis using cine MRI on the coronal plane in comparison with the sagittal plane
Authors: Shitano Fuki , Kido Aki , Kataoka Masako , Fujimoto Koji , Kiguchi Kayo , Fushimi Yasutaka , Togashi Kaori
Published: April 2015

Background

Uterine peristalsis is supposed to be closely related to the early stages of reproduction. Sperms are preferentially transported from the uterine cervix to the side of the tube with the dominant follicle. However, with respect to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), uterine peristalsis has only been evaluated at the sagittal plane of cine MRI.

Purpose

To evaluate and compare uterine peristalsis both on sagittal and coronal planes using cine MRI.

Material and Methods

Internal ethics committee approval was obtained, and subjects provided informed written consent. Thirty-one women underwent MRI scans in the periovulatory phase of the menstrual cycle. Cine MR images obtained by fast advanced spin echo sequence at 3-T field strength magnet (Toshiba Medical Systems) were visually evaluated by two independent radiologists. The frequency and the direction of peristalsis, and the presence of outer myometrium conduction of signal intensities (OMC), were evaluated. The laterality of the dominant follicle was determined on axial images and compared with the peristaltic direction in fundus.

Results

The subjects in which peristaltic directions were more clearly recognized were significantly frequent in coronal planes than in sagittal planes ( P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the peristaltic frequency between the sagittal and the coronal plane. However, the OMC was more recognized in the coronal plane than in the sagittal plane ( P < 0.05). Peristaltic waves conducted toward the possible ovulation side were observed in only three of the 10 subjects.

Conclusion

OMC of uterine peristalsis was better demonstrated in the coronal plane compared to the sagittal plane.
In vivo delivery of functional Flightless I siRNA using layer-by-layer polymer surface modification
Authors: Martens Penny J , Ly Mai , Adams Damian H , Penzkover Kathryn R , Strudwick Xanthe , Cowin Allison J , Poole-Warren Laura A
Published: April 2015

Gene silencing using small interfering RNA has been proposed as a therapy for cancer, viral infections and other diseases. This study aimed to investigate whether layer-by-layer polymer surface modification could deliver small interfering RNA to decrease fibrotic processes associated with medical device implantation. Anti-green fluorescent protein labelled small interfering RNA was applied to tissue culture plates and polyurethane using a layer-by-layer technique with small interfering RNA and poly-L-lysine. In vitro studies showed that the level of down-regulation of green fluorescent protein was directly related to the number of coatings applied. This layer-by-layer coating technique was then used to generate Rhodamine-Flii small interfering RNA-coated implants for in vivo studies of small interfering RNA delivery via subcutaneous implantation in mice. After two days, Rh-positive cells were observed on the implants’ surface indicating cellular uptake of the Rhodamine-Flii small interfering RNA. Decreased Flii gene expression was observed in tissue surrounding the Rhodamine-Flii small interfering RNA coated implants for up to seven days post implantation, returning to baseline by day 21. Genes downstream from Flii, including TGF-β1 and TGF-β3, showed significantly altered expression confirming a functional effect of the Rhodamine-Flii small interfering RNA on gene expression. This research demonstrates proof-of-principle that small interfering RNA can be delivered via layer-by-layer coatings on biomaterials and thereby can alter the fibrotic process.
Low-skill jobs or jobs for low-skilled workers? An analysis of the institutional determinants of the employment rates of low-educated workers in 19 OECD countries, 1997–2010
Authors: Abrassart Aurélien
Published: April 2015

We often hear that the high unemployment rates of low-educated workers in Europe are due to the rigidities of the institutions increasing the labour costs that burden employers. In this article, we challenge this traditional view and offer alternative explanations to the cross-national variation in the employment rate of low-educated workers. Using macro-data and an error correction model, we analyse the determinants of the creation of jobs for low-educated workers in 19 countries between 1997 and 2010. Our findings tend to invalidate the neoliberal view, while also pointing to the positive impact of investing in public employment services and the predominant role of economic growth, which can be weakened by union density and employment protection in the case of male workers. Last but not least, creating low skill jobs has no or little impact on the employment outcomes of low-educated workers, thus indicating job displacement issues.
Primary Mixed Adenoneuroendocrine Carcinoma of the Gallbladder in a 55-Year-Old Female Patient
Authors: Acosta Andrés Martin , Hamedani Farid Saei , Kajdacsy-Balla Andre , Wiley Elizabeth Louise
Published: April 2015

Mixed adenoneuroendocrine carcinomas (MANECs) of the biliary tract are rare tumors, and to date only a few cases arising in the gallbladder have been reported. Their histogenesis is a matter of debate, since the biliary tract normally lacks neuroendocrine cells. However, the immunohistochemical identification of nonneoplastic neuroendocrine cells in both biliary adenocarcinomas and intestinal metaplasia has been documented. Here we report a case of a 55-year-old female patient presenting with right upper quadrant pain, cholelithiasis, and a gallbladder mass identified after cholecystectomy. The histopathologic examination showed a MANEC, composed of an intestinal-type adenocarcinoma and a large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma, arising in a background of enteric metaplasia with extensive high-grade dysplasia. Moreover, we report the presence of focal pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia-like epithelial lesions, which has not been described for these tumors yet. The histopathologic features of this case provide further support for the theory that MANECs arise following a metaplasia–dysplasia–carcinoma pathway.
Integrating the Illness Beliefs Model in Clinical Practice
Authors: Duhamel Fabie , Dupuis France , Turcotte Annie , Martinez Anne-Marie , Goudreau Johanne
Published: April 2015

To promote the integration of Family Systems Nursing (FSN) in clinical practice, we need to better understand how nurses overcome the challenges of FSN knowledge utilization. A qualitative exploratory study was conducted with 32 practicing female nurses from hospital and community settings who had received FSN intervention training and skill development based on the Illness Beliefs Model and the Calgary Family Assessment and Intervention Models. The participants were interviewed about how they utilized FSN knowledge in their nursing practice. From the data analysis, a FSN Knowledge Utilization Model emerged that involves three major components: (a) nurses’ beliefs in FSN and in their FSN skills, (b) nurses’ knowledge utilization strategies to address the challenges of FSN practice, and (c) FSN positive outcomes. The FSN Knowledge Utilization Model describes a circular, incremental, and iterative process used by nurses to integrate FSN in daily nursing practice. Findings point to a need for re-evaluation of educational and management strategies in clinical settings for advancing the practice of FSN.
Effect of restaurant discount coupon depth on re-consumption willingness: A moderating role of brand image
Authors: Lin Mei Lan , Yang Jen-Te , Wan Chin-Sheng
Published: April 2015

The discount depth of coupons often affects consumers’ re-consumption willingness. Furthermore, for products or services, brand image is considered as an important factor that influences consumers’ purchasing decisions. This study investigated whether discount depth affects consumers’ re-consumption willingness and if brand image moderates this effect. A two-factor between-subjects design was used for the laboratory ( n = 250) and field ( n = 184) experiments, which were analyzed with a series of moderated hierarchical regression analyses. The results from the laboratory experiments indicated that brand image moderates the relationship between the discount depth and the consumers’ re-consumption willingness. This study also employed a field experiment, and the empirical results were consistent with the data from the laboratory experiment. The findings of this study will be useful for restaurant marketing professionals when making promotional decisions.
Should Age Limit the Use of Catheter-Directed Thrombolysis
Authors: Al-Nouri Omar , Sinacore James , Halandras Pegge , Hershberger Richard
Published: April 2015

Objective:

To determine whether advanced age should be a contraindication to catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT) based on hemorrhagic complication rate.

Methods:

A survey was generated via Survey Monkey and sent out to vascular surgeons who were members of the society of vascular surgery (SVS).

Results:

Of the responders, 32.7% state they do not have an age limit for tissue plasminogen activator (TPA) infusion, and the remaining 29.2% of the responders use 80 years of age as their limitation. When asked why place limits on age for TPA infusion, 56.6% stated concern for intracranial hemorrhage. Major complications were access site hemorrhage (58.4%) and intracranial hemorrhage (41.6%). Chi-square analysis did not show age as a limiting factor to thrombolysis. Furthermore, when asked in which age-group complications occurred most commonly, 72.4% were less than 80.

Conclusion:

Among vascular specialist, there seems to be no consensus on age limitations for TPA infusion. Serious complications do not seem to be age related and thus age alone should not be a contraindication for catheter-directed thrombolysis.
What does it mean to be responsible? Addressing the missing responsibility dimension in ethical leadership research
Authors: Voegtlin Christian
Published: April 2015

This paper extends research on ethical leadership by proposing a responsibility orientation for leaders. Responsible leadership is based on the concept of leaders who are not isolated from the environment, who critically evaluate prevailing norms, are forward looking, share responsibility, and aim to solve problems collectively. Adding such a responsibility orientation helps to address critical issues that persist in research on ethical leadership. The paper discusses important aspects of responsible leadership, which include being able to make informed ethical judgments about prevailing norms and rules, communicating effectively with stakeholders, engaging in long-term thinking and in perspective taking, displaying moral courage, and aspiring to positive change. Furthermore, responsible leadership means actively engaging stakeholders, encouraging participative decision making, and aiming for shared problem solving. A case study that draws on in-depth interviews with the representatives of businesses and nongovernmental organizations illustrates the practical relevance of thinking about responsibility and reveals the challenges of responsible leadership.
Delirium
Authors: Cordiner Matthew , Cordiner Alison
Published: April 2015

For hundreds of years it has been recognised that some individuals with physical illness experience a sudden and frightening deterioration in their mental functioning. The condition has variably been known as ‘acute confusional state’ or ‘acute brain failure’ among others; however, the name by which it is best known is delirium from the Latin ‘delire’, meaning deranged. Delirium is a common condition, which most doctors will encounter during their professional lives and thus knowledge of its features and management is important. It is a neuropsychiatric syndrome that is characterised by disturbances in a wide variety of domains, particularly areas such as consciousness, orientation and perception. It is a distressing experience, not only for the patient and staff involved, but also for the individual’s relatives. Effective management and identification of those at risk of the condition can help improve outcomes such as prolonged hospital admissions. Both the British Geriatrics Society and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence have produced guidance regarding how delirium should be identified and managed. This article summarises an approach to assessment, investigation and management for primary care clinicians.
An in vivo study of dynamic effects of wrist traction on the radiolunate and capitolunate joints
Authors: Tada Kaoru , Kawashima Hiroki , Horie Kakeru , Sanada Shigeru , Nishimura Seiji , Tsuchiya Hiroyuki
Published: April 2015

Introduction

We described the dynamic effects of traction on the radiolunate and capitolunate joints in a living body to explore the possibility of range of motion exercise of the wrist joint under traction as a new method of exercise.

Methods

Dynamic radiography was conducted while creating wrist passive movements by using manual traction and machinery traction with a measurement device. Subjects were 20 healthy men. The change in the percentage of contribution of the radiolunate and capitolunate joints with or without traction was calculated.

Results

Manual traction: During palmar flexion, the percentage of contribution of the radiolunate angle was increased from 39.4% to 49.9%, and the capitolunate angle was decreased from 60.6% to 50.1% with traction. During dorsiflexion, the radiolunate angle was increased from 60.2% to 70.0%, and the capitolunate angle was decreased from 39.8% to 30.0% with traction. Machinery traction: During palmar flexion, the radiolunate angle was increased from 46.1% to 56.4%, and the capitolunate angle was decreased from 53.9% to 43.6% with traction. During dorsiflexion, the radiolunate angle was increased from 68.7% to 72.0%, and the capitolunate angle was decreased from 31.3% to 28.0% with traction.

Conclusions

The movement of the radiolunate joint was increased and that of the capitolunate joint decreased with the addition of traction. Range of motion exercise with traction has the potential to be applied to an advanced rehabilitation program targeting the radiolunate joint under specific pathological conditions.
Treatment options for relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma
Authors: Nooka Ajay K. , Kastritis Efstathios , Dimopoulos Meletios A. , Lonial Sagar
Published: April 2015

Over the last few decades, significant improvement in outcomes has been observed for myeloma patients, mainly as a result of the use of currently available approved antimyeloma agents, along with combining autologous stem cell transplantation in the treatment of myeloma. With more targeted agents in development, the treatment of a myeloma patient at relapse has become complicated and, as a consequence, results in vast heterogeneity in treatment patterns. Although a consensus on the timing of initiation of treatment, the choice of agents to be used, and the role of transplant is less clear, we describe an evidence-based approach and the factors to consider upon relapse. We describe additional newer agents and targets that are under development, with the goal of achievement of durable remissions for myeloma patients.
Along-strike variability of thrust fault vergence
Authors: Greenhalgh Scott R. , McBride John H. , Bartley John M. , Keach R. William , Britt Brooks B. , Kowallis Bart J.
Published: April 2015

The 3D kinematic evolution of thrust systems, in which vergence changes along strike, is poorly understood. This study uses 3D seismic data from Big Piney-LaBarge field, Wyoming, to examine the geometry and kinematics of two faults at the leading edge of the Hogsback thrust sheet, the frontal thrust of the Late Cretaceous Sevier fold-thrust belt. These thrusts lie along strike of each another and share an east-vergent detachment within the Cretaceous Baxter Shale. The two thrusts verge in opposite directions: The southern thrust verges eastward forming a frontal ramp consistent with major thrusts of the Sevier belt, whereas the northern thrust verges westward to form a type 1 triangle zone with the Hogsback thrust. The thrusts have strike lengths of 5 km (3.1 mi) and 8 km (5.0 mi), respectively, and they are separated by a transfer zone of less than 0.5 km (0.3 mi) wide. Strata in the transfer zone appear to be relatively undeformed, but reflections are less coherent here, which suggests small offsets unresolved by the seismic survey. Retrodeformable cross sections and a structure contour map on the Cretaceous Mesaverde Group indicate that shortening varies along strike, with a pronounced minimum at the transfer zone and greater shortening across the northern, west-vergent thrust (610 m [2000 ft]) than across the southern, east-vergent thrust (230 m [755 ft]). Mapping of these thrusts suggests that they propagated laterally toward each other to form a type 1 antithetic fault linkage in the transfer zone. Spatial patterns expressed in seismic attributes in and near the detachment horizon, which include waveform classification and spectral decomposition, suggest that stratigraphic variations may have pinned the detachment, thus localizing the transfer zone. Thickness variations in the thrust sheet also may have influenced the thrust geometry. Our study provides an analog for analysis of similar complex contractional belts around the world.
Estimating subsurface uncertainties by combining seismic interpretation with earth modeling
Authors: Thenin Damien , Larson Ron
Published: April 2015

Earth models are routinely used in the oil and gas industry to integrate multidisciplinary data for subsurface property predictions. Even though most earth models predict reasonably well at the field scale, they often fail to accurately predict the subsurface conditions at a specific location, especially in geologically complex reservoirs. Earth models can become more predictive by integrating information routinely extracted from 3D seismic such as faults, stratigraphy, facies, and rock properties. But their integration into earth models is often done without accounting for their uncertainties, potentially leading to the misprediction of the subsurface properties. We aimed to review several seismic interpretation techniques that provided useful input to better constrain earth models and to suggest ways to account for the interpretation uncertainty in these models. We determined the pitfalls and practical solutions for a successful quantitative seismic interpretation that can lead to more predictive earth models.
Beyond the Problematic of Legitimacy
Authors: DeLanda Manuel
Published: April 2015

The subject of this essay is the authority structure of institutional organizations. Authority has two aspects: its legitimacy and its enforcement. Max Weber gave us the means to think about the practices involved in the legitimation of authority, while Michel Foucault provided us with a way to think about the transformation of enforcement practices in organizations, which must confine people either temporarily (schools, hospitals, factories) or permanently (prisons, barracks). The work of both authors is necessary for a full account of the authority structure of organizations.