bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Avoiding the employment relationship: Outsourcing and labour substitution among French manufacturing firms, 1984–2003
Authors: PERRAUDIN Corinne , THÈVENOT Nadine , VALENTIN Julie
Published: December 2013

Using a comprehensive data set for French manufacturing firms with over 20 employees, the authors quantify the use of outsourcing and show how it has spread since the mid‐1980s, leading to the substitution of external labour for in‐house labour. Empirical analysis suggests that firms outsource in order to bypass the effects of the employment relationship and circumvent their labour law obligations.
Teledermatology for skin cancer prevention: an experience on 690 Austrian patients
Authors: Massone C. , Maak D. , Hofmann‐Wellenhof R. , Soyer H.P. , Frühauf J.
Published: December 2013

Background

Recent studies investigated the value of teledermatology (TD) as a valid tool for a dermatologist‐directed triage systems.

Objective

To investigate the feasibility of a store‐and‐forward TD triage system in a large number of patients.

Methods

Previously trained general practitioners selected suspicious skin tumours in the setting of a general preventive medicine screening programme and transmitted their dermoscopic images via virtual private network for decision‐making. Within 48 h, two teleconsultants highly experienced in dermoscopy first assessed image quality, then made a diagnosis and answered if lesions were to follow‐up, to excise or to be re‐evaluated at face‐to‐face (FTF).

Results

A total of 955 lesions were telediagnosed [743 (78%) benign melanocytic, six (0.6%) malignant melanocytic, 186 (19%) benign non‐melanocytic and 20 (2%) malignant non‐melanocytic]. Excision was recommended for 111 (12%) lesions, 10 lesions (1%) were referred to FTF examination. Follow‐up was recommended for 707 (74%) lesions. The vast majority of the lesions (82%) were screened as benign and an intervention was requested in only 18% of cases. Eighty‐two patients (12% of the total) were lost at follow‐up. The diagnostic accuracy was of 94% with sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 95.8%.

Conclusions

We confirm that TD is suitable to triage skin cancers.
Occurrence and Genome Analysis of Cucurbit chlorotic yellows virus in Iran
Authors: Keshavarz Tayyebeh , Shams‐Bakhsh Masoud , Izadpanah Keramat , Malboobi Mohammad A.
Published: December 2013

In 2011 and 2012, several cucurbit‐growing regions of Iran were surveyed and samples with symptoms similar to those induced by Cucurbit chlorotic yellows virus (CCYV) were collected. The pathogen was transmitted to cucumber and melon under greenhouse conditions by whiteflies (Bemisia tabaci). RT‐PCR using designed CCYV‐specific primer pair (CCYV‐F/CCYV‐R) resulted in amplification of the predicted size DNA fragment (870 bp) for the coat protein (CP) gene in samples collected from Boushehr, Eyvanakay and Varamin. Nucleotide sequences of the CP of the three Iranian CCYV isolates were compared with five CCYV isolates obtained from GenBank and analysed. Phylogenetically, all CCYV isolates clustered in two groups; Group I is composed of five non‐Iranian isolates from China, Lebanon, Japan, Sudan and Taiwan, and the three Iranian isolates formed Group 2. Among Iranian isolates, the Eyvanakay isolate clustered in a distinct clade with the Boushehr and Varamin isolates. A phylogenetic tree based on amino acid identity of CP showed that CCYV was closely related to Lettuce chlorosis virus (LCV), Bean yellow disorder virus (BnYDV) and Cucurbit yellow stunting disorder virus (CYSDV). This is the first report of CCYV in Iran.
Comparing Norberg angle, linear femoral overlap and surface femoral overlap in radiographic assessment of the canine hip joint
Authors: Janssens L. , De Ridder M. , Verhoeven G. , Gielen I. , van Bree H.
Published: December 2013

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to compare Norberg angle, linear femoral overlap and surface femoral overlap in radiographs of hips accepted for official hip dysplasia screening.

METHODS

Radiographs of 100 dogs (200 hips) were reviewed. The three measurements were performed in each hip according to previously described methods and thereafter correlated.

RESULTS

Intra‐ and inter‐observer reliability was very high (all >85%). The linear correlation between Norberg angle and linear femoral overlap or surface femoral overlap was 0·40 and 0·41, respectively. The linear correlation between linear femoral overlap and surface femoral overlap was 0·84.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Norberg angle cannot be compared with surface femoral overlap or linear femoral overlap, and a mathematical formula could not be computed for the comparison.
Phase Transitions in Development of Writing Fluency From a Complex Dynamic Systems Perspective
Authors: Baba Kyoko , Nitta Ryo
Published: December 2013

This study explored patterns in L2 writing development by focusing on one of the linguistic features of texts (fluency) from a complex dynamic systems perspective. It investigated whether two English‐as‐a‐foreign‐language university students would experience discontinuous change (phase transition) in their writing fluency through repetition of a timed writing task. The students performed the task along with reflective writing once a week throughout the school year (30 times). Phase transitions were assessed against four criteria: sudden jumps, anomalous variance, divergence, and qualitative change in the attractor. The results suggest that both students underwent at least one phase transition. The findings imply the existence of “supra” patterns that could be revealed by longitudinal, multiple‐type observation.
Men with Hypertension are More Likely to Have Severe Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms and Large Prostate Volume
Authors: HWANG Eu Chang , KIM Sun‐Ouck , NAM Deok‐Hyun , YU Ho Song , HWANG Insang , JUNG Seung Il , KANG Taek Won , KWON Dong Deuk , KIM Geun Soo
Published: December 2013

Objective

Patients with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) have a higher prevalence of cardiovascular disease. We evaluated the correlation between LUTS and cardiovascular risk factors in men presenting with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 295 men with transurethral resection of the prostate for the treatment of BPH and LUTS. Risk factors for cardiovascular disease included: hypertension, diabetes mellitus (DM), smoking, and dyslipidemia. The severity of LUTS measured by the International Prostatic Symptom Score (IPSS), prostate volume, prostate specific antigen (PSA), maximal urinary flow rate (Qmax), and postvoid residual urine (PVR) in subjects with or without cardiovascular risk factors were compared.

Results

IPSS‐total (22.9 ± 7.8 vs. 21.2 ± 7.3, P = 0.01) and obstructive symptom score (13.3 ± 5.2 vs. 11.9 ± 4.7, P = 0.01) was significantly different between men with hypertension and without cardiovascular risk factors. There was no significant difference of variables between subjects with DM, smoking or dyslipidemia and without cardiovascular risk factors. In the Pearson correlation, the systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP) were related with prostate volume (r = 0.138, P = 0.040; r = 0.163, P = 0.020), IPSS‐total (r = 0.139, P = 0.043; r = 0.138, P = 0.043), and an obstructive symptom score (r = 0.168, P = 0.014; r = 0.143, P = 0.037), respectively.

Conclusions

Men with hypertension are more likely to have a higher IPSS and large prostate volume than men without hypertension. This finding implicates a pathophysiological association between hypertension and LUTS, and the need to manage comorbid symptoms simultaneously.
So long to genetic diversity, and thanks for all the fish
Authors: Allendorf Fred W. , Berry Oliver , Ryman Nils
Published: December 2013

The world faces a global fishing crisis. Wild marine fisheries comprise nearly 15% of all animal protein in the human diet, but, according to the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization, nearly 60% of all commercially important marine fish stocks are overexploited, recovering, or depleted (FAO ; Fig. ). Some authors have suggested that the large population sizes of harvested marine fish make even collapsed populations resistant to the loss of genetic variation by genetic drift (e.g. Beverton ). In contrast, others have argued that the loss of alleles because of overfishing may actually be more dramatic in large populations than in small ones (Ryman et al. 1995). In this issue, Pinsky & Palumbi (2014) report that overfished populations have approximately 2% lower heterozygosity and 12% lower allelic richness than populations that are not overfished. They also performed simulations which suggest that their estimates likely underestimate the actual loss of rare alleles by a factor of three or four. This important paper shows that the harvesting of marine fish can have genetic effects that threaten the long‐term sustainability of this valuable resource.
Genome sequencing provides insight into the reproductive biology, nutritional mode and ploidy of the fern pathogenMixia osmundae
Authors: Toome Merje , Ohm Robin A. , Riley Robert W. , James Timothy Y. , Lazarus Katherine L. , Henrissat Bernard , Albu Sebastian , Boyd Alexander , Chow Julianna , Clum Alicia , Heller Gregory , Lipzen Anna , Nolan Matt , Sandor Laura , Zvenigorodsky Natasha , Grigoriev Igor V. , Spatafora Joseph W. , Aime M. Catherine
Published: December 2013

Mixia osmundae(Basidiomycota,Pucciniomycotina) represents a monotypic class containing an unusual fern pathogen with incompletely understood biology. We sequenced and analyzed the genome ofM. osmundae, focusing on genes that may provide some insight into its mode of pathogenicity and reproductive biology.

Mixia osmundaehas the smallest plant pathogenic basidiomycete genome sequenced to date, at 13.6 Mb, with very few repeats, high gene density, and relatively few significant gene family gains.

The genome shows that the yeast state ofM. osmundaeis haploid and the lack of segregation of mating genes suggests that the spores produced onOsmundaspp. fronds are probably asexual. However, our finding of a complete complement of mating and meiosis genes suggests the capacity to undergo sexual reproduction. Analyses of carbohydrate active enzymes suggest that this fungus is a biotroph with the ability to break down several plant cell wall components.

Analyses of publicly available sequence data show that otherMixiamembers may exist on other plant hosts and with a broader distribution than previously known.
The pleiotropicSEPALLATA‐like geneOsMADS34reveals that the ‘empty glumes’ of rice (Oryza sativa) spikelets are in fact rudimentary lemmas
Authors: Lin Xuelei , Wu Feng , Du Xiaoqiu , Shi Xiaowei , Liu Yuan , Liu Shujun , Hu Yuxin , Theißen Günter , Meng Zheng
Published: December 2013

The single floret of the rice (Oryza sativa) spikelet is subtended by a pair of enigmatic organs usually termed ‘empty glumes’ or ‘sterile lemmas’. As the identity of these organs remains essentially unknown, we refer to them as ‘organs of unknown identity’ (OUIs).

Here we present a novel mutant of the riceSEPALLATA‐like geneOsMADS34which develops, in addition to disorganized branches and sterile seeds, elongatedOUIs. The function and evolution ofOsMADS34were studied.

Morphological and molecular markers indicate that the elongatedOUIs have adopted lemma identity. Evolutionary analyses show that the ancestral genes of theOsM34subclade evolved under positive selection, and that three specific motifs occur in the C‐terminal region of proteins in the OsM34 subclade. Yeast two‐hybrid assays revealed that the C‐terminal region of OsMADS34 plays a crucial role in mediating protein interactions. Sequence analyses for the wild riceOryza grandiglumiswhich has elongatedOUIs revealed the association ofOsMADS34functionality withOUIidentity.

Our findings support the hypothesis thatOUIs originated from the lemmas of degenerate florets under the negative control ofOsMADS34. AsOUIs neither are homologues to glumes nor have the identity of lemmas any more, but originated from these organs, we suggest calling them ‘rudimentary lemmas’.
Safety of the breast‐feeding infant after maternal anesthesia
Authors: Dalal Priti G. , Bosak Jodi , Berlin Cheston
Published: December 2013

There has been an increase in breast‐feeding supported by the recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatrics and the World Health Organization. An anesthesiologist may be presented with a well‐motivated breast‐feeding mother who wishes to breast‐feed her infant in the perioperative period. Administration of anesthesia entails acute administration of drugs with potential for sedation and respiratory effects on the nursing infant. The short‐term use of these drugs minimizes the possibility of these effects. The aim should be to minimize the use of narcotics and benzodiazepines, use shorter acting agents, use regional anesthesia where possible and avoid agents with active metabolites. Frequent clinical assessments of the nursing infant are important. Available literature does suggest that although the currently available anesthetic and analgesic drugs are transferred in the breast milk, the amounts transferred are almost always clinically insignificant and pose little or no risk to the nursing infant.
Dietary fibre and fatty acids in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease risk and progression: a systematic review
Authors: Fonseca Wald Eric L. A. , van den Borst Bram , Gosker Harry R. , Schols Annemie M. W. J.
Published: December 2013

Dietary intake attracts increasing interest in the risk for and progression of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In particular, dietary fibre and fatty acids have drawn specific attention for their immunomodulating potential. The study aimed to review the current evidence on the potential roles of dietary fibre or fatty acid intake in the risk and progression of COPD. Pubmed, EMBASE, Cochrane Collaboration Database and conference databases for original studies in adults addressing the association between fibre or fatty acid intake and COPD in terms of risk, lung function and respiratory symptoms were searched. Nine articles were included of which four reported on dietary fibre and five on fatty acids. Data of studies could not be pooled because of methodological diversity. Greater intake of dietary fibre has been consistently associated with reduced COPD risk, better lung function and reduced respiratory symptoms. Results on the associations between fatty acids and COPD are inconsistent. Dietary quality deserves further attention in developing COPD prevention and management programs.
Decision Making for Animal Health and Welfare: Integrating Risk‐Benefit Analysis with Prospect Theory
Authors: Hansson Helena , Lagerkvist Carl Johan
Published: December 2013

This study integrated risk‐benefit analysis with prospect theory with the overall objective of identifying the type of management behavior represented by farmers’ choices of mastitis control options (MCOs). Two exploratory factor analyses, based on 163 and 175 Swedish farmers, respectively, highlighted attitudes to MCOs related to: (1) grouping cows and applying milking order to prevent spread of existing infection and (2) working in a precautionary way to prevent mastitis occurring. This was interpreted as being based on (1) reactive management behavior on detection of udder‐health problems in individual cows and (2) proactive management behavior to prevent mastitis developing. Farmers’ assessments of these MCOs were found to be based on asymmetrical evaluations of risks and benefits, suggesting that farmers’ management behavior depends on their individual reference point. In particular, attitudes to MCOs related to grouping cows and applying milking order to prevent the spread of mastitis once infected cows were detected were stronger in the risk domain than in the benefit domain, in accordance with loss aversion. In contrast, attitudes to MCOs related to working in a precautionary way to prevent cows from becoming infected in the first place were stronger in the benefit domain than in the risk domain, in accordance with reverse loss aversion. These findings are of practical importance for farmers and agribusiness and in public health protection work to reduce the current extensive use of antibiotics in dairy herds.
Risk Perception, Experience, and Objective Risk: A Cross‐National Study with European Emergency Survivors
Authors: Knuth Daniela , Kehl Doris , Hulse Lynn , Schmidt Silke
Published: December 2013

Understanding public risk perceptions and their underlying processes is important in order to learn more about the way people interpret and respond to hazardous emergency events. Direct experience with an involuntary hazard has been found to heighten the perceived risk of experiencing the same hazard and its consequences in the future, but it remains unclear if cross‐over effects are possible (i.e., experience with one hazard influencing perceived risk for other hazards also). Furthermore, the impact of objective risk and country of residence on perceived risk is not well understood. As part of the BeSeCu (Behavior, Security, and Culture) Project, a sample of 1,045 survivors of emergencies from seven European countries (i.e., Germany, the Czech Republic, Poland, Sweden, Spain, Turkey, and Italy) was drawn. Results revealed heightened perceived risk for emergency events (i.e., domestic and public fires, earthquakes, floods, and terrorist attacks) when the event had been experienced previously plus some evidence of cross‐over effects, although these effects were not so strong. The largest country differences in perceived risk were observed for earthquakes, but this effect was significantly reduced by taking into account the objective earthquake risk. For fires, floods, terrorist attacks, and traffic accidents, only small country differences in perceived risk were found. Further studies including a larger number of countries are welcomed.
From expected to unexpected comparisons: Changing the flows of ideas about cities in a postcolonial urban world
Authors: Myers Garth
Published: December 2013

Urban geography is breaking free from the bonds of global developmentalist categories and regionalisms as it approaches comparativism. As a result it is becoming possible to place cities everywhere onto some sense of a level playing field, where comparability exists for certain circulations of policies and certain categories of events, processes or phenomena. This essay is an exploration into practically working out the empirical shape of new forms of comparative work. Sometimes changing the flows of ideas in urban studies means bypassing the expected global North comparisons; sometimes changing the flows means reversing them, for South‐North comparisons which begin in the South. In this paper, I use two brief thought experiments for thinking through the flows of ideas differently. The first experiment entails developing an understanding of the spatial, social and economic divides of Hartford, Connecticut from African urbanism; the second involves building understandings of urban morphologies from China‐Africa urban comparison.
Slum‐free cities of the Asian century: Postcolonial government and the project of inclusive growth
Authors: Roy Ananya
Published: December 2013

The Asian Century can be understood as a historical conjuncture marked by new formations of economic hegemony and bold claims of Asian ascendancy. Situated at this historical moment, this essay examines a particular project of postcolonial government: inclusive growth. Taking up the example of India's recent Slum‐free Cities policy, it shows how postcolonial government tackles the problem of urban poverty in order to make the Asian world‐class city. Slum‐free Cities marks a shift in city‐making projects and indeed in the project of modernization—from slum evictions and demolitions to the integration of the poor into market rule. This essay provides an analysis of such emerging configurations of state, economy and poverty. Yet, such projects of inclusive growth are marked by paradoxes and limits, notably the complexity of transforming slum lands into legible and monetized property markets. These dilemmas are not new, and in fact, the archives of postcolonial government indicate repeated recitations of slum modernization. This longer history also indicates the need to view the Asian Century and its city‐making projects, not as rupture or renaissance but instead as a citationary structure which enables distinctive teleologies of development and projects of postcolonial power.
Rab11‐FIP2 Interaction with MYO5B Regulates Movement of Rab11a‐Containing Recycling Vesicles
Authors: Schafer Jenny C. , Baetz Nicholas W. , Lapierre Lynne A. , McRae Rebecca E. , Roland Joseph T. , Goldenring James R.
Published: December 2013

A tripartite association of Rab11a with both Rab11‐FIP2 and MYO5B regulates recycling endosome trafficking. We sought to define the intermolecular interactions required between Rab11‐FIP2 and MYO5B. Using a random mutagenesis strategy, we identified point mutations at S229P or G233E in Rab11‐FIP2 that caused loss of interaction with MYO5B in yeast two‐hybrid assays as well as loss of interaction of Rab11‐FIP2(129‐356) with MYO5B tail when expressed in HeLa cells. Single mutations or the double S229P/G233E mutation failed to alter the association of full‐length Rab11‐FIP2 with MYO5B tail in HeLa cells. While EGFP‐Rab11‐FIP2 wild type colocalized with endogenous MYO5B staining in MDCK cells, EGFP‐Rab11‐FIP2(S229P/G233E) showed a significant decrease in localization with endogenous MYO5B. Analysis of Rab11a‐containing vesicle movement in live HeLa cells demonstrated that when the MYO5B/Rab11‐FIP2 association is perturbed by mutation or by Rab11‐FIP2 knockdown, vesicle movement is increased in both speed and track length, consistent with an impairment of MYO5B tethering at the cytoskeleton. These results support a critical role for the interaction of MYO5B with Rab11‐FIP2 in stabilizing the functional complex with Rab11a, which regulates dynamic movements of membrane recycling vesicles.
Ten‐year patterns in blood product utilization during cardiothoracic surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass in a tertiary hospital
Authors: Vonk Alexander B.A. , Meesters Michael I. , van Dijk Wouter B. , Eijsman Leon , Romijn Johannes W.A. , Jansen Evert K. , Loer Stephan A. , Boer Christa
Published: December 2013

Background

This retrospective analysis describes blood conservation strategies and overall consumption of red blood cells (RBCs), fresh‐frozen plasma (FFP), and platelet (PLT) concentrates during nonaortic cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) in a tertiary hospital over a 10‐year period.

Study Design and Methods

Study variables of 6026 patients that underwent cardiac surgery between 2002 and 2011 were incorporated in the database and included hemoglobin (Hb), lowest temperature, CPB duration, 24‐hour blood loss, fluid balance, and overall transfusion requirements.

Results

Between 2002 and 2011, the lowest intraoperative Hb levels and temperature increased from 8.5 ± 1.2 to 10.4 ± 1.4 g/dL and from 32 ± 2 to 34 ± 1°C, respectively. In addition to the steep decrease in the postoperative fluid balance over time, a reduction in 24‐hour blood loss from 815 ± 588 mL (2002) to 590 ± 438 mL (2011) was observed. These changes were paralleled by a 28% reduction in overall RBC transfusion from 1443 units in 2002 to 1038 in 2011. While RBC transfusion decreased over time, there was no significant change in the use of FFP or PLT concentrate transfusion. The probability to receive RBC transfusion increased after cessation of aprotinin, but reduced after routine cell salvage in all operations.

Conclusion

This institutional report shows a large reduction in blood loss and transfusion requirements in cardiac surgery over a 10‐year period. This reduction is most probably attributed to structural cell salvage, reduced intraoperative fluid volumes, and the increase in the lowest intraoperative body temperature.
The Linear Space of Hausdorff Continuous Interval Functions
Authors: Van der Walt Jan Harm
Published: December 2013

In this paper we discuss the algebraic structure of the space H(X) of finite Hausdorff continuous interval functions defined on an arbitrary topological space X. In particular, we show that H(X) is a linear space over R containing C(X), the space of continuous real functions on X, as a linear subspace. In addition, we prove that the order on H(X) is compatible with the linear structure introduced here so that H(X) is an Archimedean vector lattice.
Mathematical and Numerical Analysis of a Modified Keller-Segel Model with General Diffusive Tensors.
Authors: Chamoun Georges , Saad Mazen , Talhouk Raafat
Published: December 2013

This paper is devoted to the mathematical analysis of a model arising from biology, consisting of diffusion and chemotaxis with volume filling effect. Motivated by numerical and modeling issues, the global existence in time and the uniqueness of weak solutions to this model is investigated. The novelty with respect to other related papers lies in the presence of a two-sidedly nonlinear degenerate diffusion and anisotropic heterogeneous diffusion tensors, where we prove global existence and uniquenessunder further assumptions. Moreover, we introduce and we study the convergence analysis of the combined scheme applied to this anisotropic Keller-Segel model with general tensors. Finally, a numerical test is given to prove the effectiveness of the combined scheme.
A paradox with the Hagen-Poiseuille relation for viscous fluid flow
Authors: Nauenberg Michael
Published: December 2013

Viscous laminar fluid flow in a pipe is described by the well known Hagen-Poiseuille relation. According to this relation, the velocity of the fluid is directly proportional to the pressure difference between the ends of the pipe and the square of the radius of the pipe and inversely proportional to its length. But as this length becomes vanishingly small, this relation predicts that the velocity of the flow approaches infinity, which obviously is unphysical. The origin of this paradox is discussed, and an extension of the Hagen-Poiseuille relation is presented that is valid for all values of the length of the pipe.
Validation of IMP Dehydrogenase Inhibitors in a Mouse Model of Cryptosporidiosis
Authors: Gorla Suresh Kumar , McNair Nina N. , Yang Guangyi , Gao Song , Hu Ming , Jala Venkatakrishna R. , Haribabu Bodduluri , Striepen Boris , Cuny Gregory D. , Mead Jan R. , Hedstrom Lizbeth
Published: December 2013

Cryptosporidiumparasites are a major cause of diarrhea and malnutrition in the developing world, a frequent cause of waterborne disease in the developed world, and a potential bioterrorism agent. Currently, available treatment is limited, andCryptosporidiumdrug discovery remains largely unsuccessful. As a result, the pharmacokinetic properties required forin vivoefficacy have not been established. We have been engaged in aCryptosporidiumdrug discovery program targeting IMP dehydrogenase (CpIMPDH). Here, we report the activity of eight potent and selective inhibitors ofCpIMPDH in the interleukin-12 (IL-12) knockout mouse model, which mimics acute human cryptosporidiosis. Two compounds displayed significant antiparasitic activity, validatingCpIMPDH as a drug target. The best compound, P131 (250 mg/kg of body weight/day), performed equivalently to paromomycin (2,000 mg/kg/day) when administered in a single dose and better than paromomycin when administered in three daily doses. One compound, A110, appeared to promoteCryptosporidiuminfection. The pharmacokinetic, uptake, and permeability properties of the eight compounds were measured. P131 had the lowest systemic distribution but accumulated to high concentrations within intestinal cells. A110 had the highest systemic distribution. These observations suggest that systemic distribution is not required, and may be a liability, forin vivoantiparasitic activity. Intriguingly, A110 caused specific alterations in fecal microbiota that were not observed with P131 or vehicle alone. Such changes may explain how A110 promotes parasitemia. Collectively, these observations suggest a blueprint for the development of anticryptosporidial therapy.
Synergistic Effects and Antibiofilm Properties of Chimeric Peptides against Multidrug-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii Strains
Authors: Gopal Ramamourthy , Kim Young Gwon , Lee Jun Ho , Lee Seog Ki , Chae Jeong Don , Son Byoung Kwan , Seo Chang Ho , Park Yoonkyung
Published: December 2013

The increasing prevalence of drug-resistant pathogens highlights the need to identify novel antibiotics. Here we investigated the efficacies of four new antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) for potential drug development. The antibacterial activities, synergistic effects, and antibiofilm properties of the four chimeric AMPs were tested against
Acinetobacter baumannii
, an emerging Gram-negative, nosocomial, drug-resistant pathogen. Nineteen
A. baumannii
strains resistant to ampicillin, cefotaxime, ciprofloxacin, tobramycin, and erythromycin were isolated at a hospital from patients with cholelithiasis. All four peptides exhibited significant antibacterial effects (MIC = 3.12 to 12.5 μM) against all 19 strains, whereas five commercial antibiotics showed little or no activity against the same pathogens. An exception was polymyxin, which was effective against all of the strains tested. Each of the peptides showed synergy against one or more strains when administered in combination with cefotaxime, ciprofloxacin, or erythromycin. The peptides also exhibited an ability to prevent biofilm formation, which was not seen with cefotaxime, ciprofloxacin, or erythromycin, though polymyxin also inhibited biofilm formation. Indeed, when administered in combination with ciprofloxacin, the AMP HPMA exerted a potent synergistic effect against
A. baumannii
biofilm formation. Collectively, our findings indicate that the AMPs tested have no cytotoxicity but possess potent antibacterial and antibiofilm activities and may act synergistically with commercial antibiotics.
The Bordetella bronchiseptica Type III Secretion System Is Required for Persistence and Disease Severity but Not Transmission in Swine
Authors: Nicholson Tracy L. , Brockmeier Susan L. , Loving Crystal L. , Register Karen B. , Kehrli Marcus E. , Shore Sarah M.
Published: December 2013

Bordetella bronchiseptica
is pervasive in swine populations and plays multiple roles in respiratory disease. Most studies addressing virulence factors of
B. bronchiseptica
utilize isolates derived from hosts other than pigs in conjunction with rodent infection models. Based on previous
in vivo
mouse studies, we hypothesized that the
B. bronchiseptica
type III secretion system (T3SS) would be required for maximal disease severity and persistence in the swine lower respiratory tract. To examine the contribution of the T3SS to the pathogenesis of
B. bronchiseptica
in swine, we compared the abilities of a virulent swine isolate and an isogenic T3SS mutant to colonize, cause disease, and be transmitted from host to host. We found that the T3SS is required for maximal persistence throughout the lower swine respiratory tract and contributed significantly to the development of nasal lesions and pneumonia. However, the T3SS mutant and the wild-type parent are equally capable of transmission among swine by both direct and indirect routes, demonstrating that transmission can occur even with attenuated disease. Our data further suggest that the T3SS skews the adaptive immune response in swine by hindering the development of serum anti-
Bordetella
antibody levels and inducing an interleukin-10 (IL-10) cell-mediated response, likely contributing to the persistence of
B. bronchiseptica
in the respiratory tract. Overall, our results demonstrate that the
Bordetella
T3SS is required for maximal persistence and disease severity in pigs, but not for transmission.
Macrophage migration inhibitory factor polymorphism and the risk of ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease in Asian and European populations: a meta-analysis
Authors: Hao Ning-Bo , He Ya Fei , Luo Gang , Yong Xin , Zhang Yao , Yang Shi-Ming
Published: December 2013

Objective

To determine whether macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) gene polymorphism is associated with the risk of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Design

System review and meta-analysis.

Methods

MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science databases, Cochrane Library and the Chinese Biomedical Literature database (CBM) were searched for the case–control trails for MIF and IBD. All the studies included in this manuscript met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. An OR analysis using a 95% CI was employed to assess the association of the MIF-173 G/C polymorphism with IBD susceptibility.

Results

There was a significant association between the MIF-173 G/C gene polymorphism and IBD in the total population under the recessive model (CC vs GC+GG; OR=1.75, CI 1.04 to 2.95, p=0.04 for heterogeneity) and the codominant model (CC vs GG; OR=1.74, CI 1.02 to 2.97, p=0.04 for heterogeneity). In the stratified analysis by ethnicity, significantly increased risks were observed for Asians using the recessive (OR=1.75, CI 1.04 to 2.95, p=0.04 for heterogeneity) and codominant models (OR=1.74, CI 1.02 to 2.97, p=0.04 for heterogeneity). Within the subgroups of UC and CD, significant differences were observed regarding UC using the recessive (OR=1.60, CI 1.09 to 2.35, p=0.02 for heterogeneity) and codominant models (OR=1.64, CI 1.12 to 2.41, p=0.01 for heterogeneity). In the stratified analysis by ethnicity for UC, significant differences were observed regarding CC in Asians vs GC+GG (OR=1.73, CI 1.02 to 2.94, p=0.04 for heterogeneity).

Conclusions

The meta-analysis suggested that the MIF-173 G/C polymorphism contributed to the susceptibility of IBD. When considering the subgroups of ethnicity and UC and CD, the results suggested that the polymorphism is more significant for UC in Asians.
Molecular analysis of sarcoidosis lymph nodes for microorganisms: a case–control study with clinical correlates
Authors: Robinson Lary A , Smith Prudence , SenGupta Dhruba J , Prentice Jennifer L , Sandin Ramon L
Published: December 2013

Introduction

Sarcoidosis is an incurable, chronic granulomatous disease primarily involving the lungs and lymph nodes of unknown aetiology, treated with non-specific anti-inflammatory/immunosuppressive drugs. Persistently symptomatic patients worsen with a disabling, potentially fatal clinical course. To determine a possible infectious cause, we correlated in a case-control study the clinical information with the presence of bacterial DNA in sarcoidosis mediastinal lymph nodes compared with control lymph nodes resected during cancer surgery.

Methods

We retrospectively studied formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded, mediastinal lymph nodes from 30 patients with sarcoidosis and 30 control patients with lung cancer. Nucleic acids were extracted from nodes, evaluated by ribosomal RNA PCR for bacterial 16S ribosomal DNA and the results were sequenced and compared with a bacterial sequence library. Clinical information was correlated.

Results

11/30 (36.7%) of lymph nodes from patients with sarcoidosis had detectable bacterial DNA, significantly more than control patient lymph nodes (2/30, 6.7%), p=0.00516. At presentation, 19/30 (63.3%) patients with sarcoidosis were symptomatic including all patients with detectable bacterial DNA. Radiographically, there were 18 stage I and 12 stage II patients. All stage II patients were symptomatic and 75% had PCR-detectable bacteria. After a mean follow-up of 52.8±32.8 months, all patients with PCR-detectable bacteria in this series were persistently symptomatic requiring treatment.

Discussion

36.6% of patients with sarcoidosis had detectable bacterial DNA on presentation, all of these patients were quite symptomatic and most were radiographically advanced stage II. These findings suggest that bacterial DNA-positive, symptomatic patients have more aggressive sarcoidosis that persists long term and might benefit from antimicrobial treatment directed against this presumed chronic granulomatous infection.
THE SPECTRUM OF LOW SPIN MESONS AT FINITE TEMPERATURE IN HOLOGRAPHIC NONCOMMUTATIVE QCD
Authors: NAKAJIMA TADAHITO , OHTAKE YUKIKO , SUZUKI KENJI
Published: December 2013

We have constructed a noncommutative deformation of the holographic QCD (Sakai–Sugimoto) model and evaluated the mass spectrum of low spin vector mesons at finite temperature. The masses of light vector- and pseudovector-meson in the noncommutative holographic QCD model reduces over the whole area in the intermediate-temperature regime compared to the commutative case. However, the space noncommutativity does not change the properties of temperature dependence for the mass spectrum of low spin mesons. The masses of meson also decrease with increasing temperature in noncommutative case.
ANALYSIS OF THE LASER PROCESS WITH THREE DIFFERENT INITIAL STATES
Authors: YOU FUYI , CHEN JUNHUA , FAN HONGYI
Published: December 2013

We analyze the laser process with three different initial states using the entangled state representation, obtain the evolution law of the mean photon number, the entropy, the specific entropy, the second degree of coherence and the Wigner functions, and find out the common characteristics of these three processes.
Hypercomplex Liquid Crystals
Authors: Dogic Zvonimir , Sharma Prerna , Zakhary Mark J.
Published: December 2013

Hypercomplex fluids are amalgamations of polymers, colloids, or amphiphilic molecules that exhibit emergent properties not observed in elemental systems alone. Especially promising building-blocks for assembly of hypercomplex materials are molecules with anisotropic shape. Alone, these molecules form numerous liquid crystalline phases with symmetries and properties that are fundamentally different from those of conventional liquids or solids. When combined with other complex fluids, liquid crystals form materials with diverse emergent properties. In equilibrium, the interactions, dimensions, and shapes of these hypercomplex materials can be precisely controlled. When driven far from equilibrium, these materials can deform and even spontaneously flow in the absence of external forces. Here we describe recent experimental accomplishments in this rapidly developing research area. We emphasize how the common theme underlying these diverse efforts is their reliance on the basic physics of molecular liquid crystals developed in the 1970s.
Democratic Authoritarianism: Origins and Effects
Authors: Brancati Dawn
Published: December 2013

This article reviews the burgeoning literature on democratic authoritarianism, which examines two related but distinct questions: why authoritarian regimes adopt institutions conventionally associated with democracy, and how these institutions strengthen authoritarian regimes and forestall democratization. The literature suggests that authoritarian regimes adopt and utilize nominally democratic institutions to augment their strength through five main mechanisms: signaling, information acquisition, patronage distribution, monitoring, and credible commitment. After evaluating each of these mechanisms, I discuss the empirical challenges facing this research agenda and suggest how the field should proceed to overcome these challenges.
Regulation of gastric emptying rate and its role in nutrient-induced GLP-1 secretion in rats after vertical sleeve gastrectomy
Authors: Chambers Adam P. , Smith Eric P. , Begg Denovan P. , Grayson Bernadette E. , Sisley Stephanie , Greer Todd , Sorrell Joyce , Lemmen Lisa , LaSance Kati , Woods Stephen C. , Seeley Randy J. , D'Alessio David A. , Sandoval Darleen A.
Published: December 2013

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG) are effective weight loss surgeries that also improve glucose metabolism. Rapid, early rises of circulating insulin and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) concentrations following food ingestion are characteristic of these procedures. The purpose of the current study was to test the hypothesis that postprandial hormone release is due to increased nutrient emptying from the stomach. Radioscintigraphy and chemical and radiolabeled tracers were used to examine gastric emptying in rat models of VSG and RYGB surgery. Intraduodenal nutrient infusions were used to assess intestinal GLP-1 secretion and nutrient sensitivity in VSG rats compared with shams. Five minutes after a nutrient gavage, the stomachs of RYGB and VSG rats were completely emptied, whereas only 6.1% of the nutrient mixture had emptied from sham animals. Gastric pressure was increased in VSG animals, and rats with this procedure did not inhibit gastric emptying normally in response to increasing caloric loads of dextrose or corn oil, and they did not respond to neural or endocrine effectors of gastric motility. Finally, direct infusion of liquid nutrients into the duodenum caused significantly greater GLP-1 release in VSG compared with shams, indicating that increases in GLP-1 secretion after VSG are the result of both greater gastric emptying rates and altered responses at the level of the intestine. These findings demonstrate greatly accelerated gastric emptying in rat models of RYGB and VSG. In VSG this is likely due to increased gastric pressure and reduced responses to inhibitory feedback from the intestine.
PDGF Suppresses Oxidative Stress Induced Ca2+Overload and Calpain Activation in Neurons
Authors: Zheng Lian-Shun , Ishii Yoko , Zhao Qing-Li , Kondo Takashi , Sasahara Masakiyo
Published: December 2013

Oxidative stress is crucially involved in the pathogenesis of neurological diseases such as stroke and degenerative diseases. We previously demonstrated that platelet-derived growth factors (PDGFs) protected neurons from H2O2-induced oxidative stress and indicated the involvement of PI3K-Akt and MAP kinases as an underlying mechanism. Ca2+overload has been shown to mediate the neurotoxic effects of oxidative stress and excitotoxicity. We examined the effects of PDGFs on H2O2-induced Ca2+overload in primary cultured neurons to further clarify their neuroprotective mechanism. H2O2-induced Ca2+overload in neurons in a dose-dependent manner, while pretreating neurons with PDGF-BB for 24 hours largely suppressed it. In a comparative study, the suppressive effects of PDGF-BB were more potent than those of PDGF-AA. We then evaluated calpain activation, which was induced by Ca2+overload and mediated both apoptotic and nonapoptotic cell death. H2O2-induced calpain activation in neurons in a dose-dependent manner. Pretreatment of PDGF-BB completely blocked H2O2-induced calpain activation. To the best of our knowledge, the present study is the first to demonstrate the mechanism underlying the neuroprotective effects of PDGF against oxidative stress via the suppression of Ca2+overload and inactivation of calpain and suggests that PDGF-BB may be a potential therapeutic target of neurological diseases.
Low Serum Levels of Myeloid Progenitor Inhibitory Factor-1 Predict Good Response to Methotrexate in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Dhir Varun , Sandhu Amit , Gupta Nidhi , Dhawan Veena , Sharma Shefali , Sharma Aman
Published: December 2013

Background. Although the benchmark in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis remains methotrexate, only 70% of patients respond. Thus, there is a need for predictive biomarkers. This study planned to evaluate serum levels of myeloid progenitor inhibitory factor-1 (MPIF-1) and monocyte chemoattractant protein 2 (MCP-2)—as biomarkers. Methods. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) having high disease activity (DAS28-3v ≥ 5.1) were treated with oral methotrexate (MTX) for 12 weeks. Disease activity was measured by DAS28-3v (Modified Disease Activity Score 3 variables). Serum samples were stored at baseline and 12 weeks. Results. This study included 46 patients (F : M = 35 : 11) having mean (±SD) age of 42.6 ± 11.3 yrs, disease duration of 4.7 ± 4.5 yrs, and DAS28-3v of 6.1 ± 0.8. Serum MPIF1 was elevated in patients compared to controls (1636.7 ± 1009.7, 441.2 ± 173.8 pg/mL, P<0.001), but there was no difference in MCP2 levels (31.4 ± 11.9, 33.8 ± 24.0 pg/mL). Baseline MPIF-1 level was lower in good responders (ΔDAS28-3v ≥ 1.2, N=9) compared to poor responders (ΔDAS28-3v < 0.6, N=27) (1171.0 ± 670.8, 1816.7 ± 1154.1 pg/mL, P=0.05). On ROC analysis, baseline MPIF1 performed reasonably to predict good response; that is, ΔDAS28-3v ≥ 1.2 (AUC 0.68, 95% CI 0.50–0.87). Conclusions. Lower baseline MPIF1 level predicted a good response to methotrexate at 12 weeks.
Tobacco Smoking Habits, Attitudes, and Beliefs among Albanian Nurse Students
Authors: Vakeffliu Ylli , Bala Silvana , Pirushi Rudina , Vakeffliu Kujtime , Bushati Jul , Melani Andrea S.
Published: December 2013

Background. Available information about tobacco smoking habits, attitudes, and beliefs among Albanian nurse students shows some discrepancies and requires further investigation. Material and Methods. Cross-sectional school-based survey using a self-administered anonymous questionnaire in the Tirana Nurse University in December 2012 about tobacco smoking habits, attitudes, and beliefs. Results. Sixty hundred fifty one students (mean age 20.0 years; males 19%, females 81%) completed the questionnaire with an overall response rate of 87%. Current smokers were 19%; of this group, 37% of males and 49% of females were occasional smokers. Among current smokers, males smoked more than females (46% versus 13%; P<0.01). The knowledge about smoking was generic; only a part (24%) of students reported having received a formal specific training on smoking related issues. The percentage of current smokers who reported at least one serious attempt to quit was 64%. Most students (78%) reported recent exposure to second hand smoke at home. Most students (84%) were felt to be a model of healthy lifestyle, but only a part (42% of the total) was recognized to have a role in advising smokers to quit. Conclusions. Smoking habits of Albanian nurse students are not higher than those of other European countries and Albanian population of similar age and gender. Our students showed many positive attitudes towards tobacco. Targeted training about smoking related issues should be mandatory in nursing schools.
Interannual Variability of Northern Hemisphere Storm Tracks in Coarse-Gridded Datasets
Authors: Eichler Timothy Paul , Gottschalck Jon
Published: December 2013

Extratropical cyclones exert a large socioeconomic impact. It is therefore important to assess their interannual variability. We generate cyclone tracks from the National Center for Environmental Prediction’s Reanalysis I and the European Centre for Medium Range Prediction ERA-40 reanalysis datasets. To investigate the interannual variability of cyclone tracks, we compare the effects of El Niño, the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO), the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD), and the Pacific North American Pattern (PNA) on cyclone tracks. Composite analysis shows similar results for the impacts of El Niño, NAO, and the PNA on NH storm tracks. Although it is encouraging, we also found regional differences when comparing reanalysis datasets. The results for the IOD suggested a wave-like alteration of cyclone frequency across the northern US/Canada possibly related to Rossby wave propagation. Partial correlation demonstrates that although El Niño affects cyclone frequency in the North Pacific and along the US east coast, its impact on the North Pacific is accomplished via the PNA. Similarly, the PNA’s impact on US east coast storms is modulated via El Niño. In contrast, the impacts of the NAO extend as far west as the North Pacific and are not influenced by either the PNA or El Niño.