bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Principals' Perceptions of Competition for Students in Milwaukee Schools
Authors: Kasman Matthew , Loeb Susanna
Published: November 2012

The assertion that choice-driven competition between schools will improve school quality rests on several largely unexamined assumptions. One is that choice increases the competitive pressure experienced by school leaders. A second is that schools will seek to become more effective in response to competitive pressure. In this article, we use responses from a survey of Milwaukee public school principals to examine these assumptions. Our results suggest that there is a substantial amount of variation in how principals experience competitive pressure. Somewhat surprisingly, the extent to which principals perceive competition for students is not related to geographic factors such as the number of nearby schools. However, perceptions of competition are related to student achievement as well as to transfer rates out of a school. Although some schools respond to competition by trying to improve through curricular or instructional changes, a more common approach is to use outreach or advertisement.
Spatial Decomposition of Climate Feedbacks in the Community Earth System Model
Authors: Gettelman A. , Kay J. E. , Fasullo J. T.
Published: November 2012

An ensemble of simulations from different versions of the Community Atmosphere Model in the Community Earth System Model (CESM) is used to investigate the processes responsible for the intermodel spread in climate sensitivity. In the CESM simulations, the climate sensitivity spread is primarily explained by shortwave cloud feedbacks on the equatorward flank of the midlatitude storm tracks. Shortwave cloud feedbacks have been found to explain climate sensitivity spread in previous studies, but the location of feedback differences was in the subtropics rather than in the storm tracks as identified in CESM. The cloud-feedback relationships are slightly stronger in the winter hemisphere. The spread in climate sensitivity in this study is related both to the cloud-base state and to the cloud feedbacks. Simulated climate sensitivity is correlated with cloud-fraction changes on the equatorward side of the storm tracks, cloud condensate in the storm tracks, and cloud microphysical state on the poleward side of the storm tracks. Changes in the extent and water content of stratiform clouds (that make up cloud feedback) are regulated by the base-state vertical velocity, humidity, and deep convective mass fluxes. Within the storm tracks, the cloud-base state affects the cloud response to CO2-induced temperature changes and alters the cloud feedbacks, contributing to climate sensitivity spread within the CESM ensemble.
Coupled Sea Ice–Ocean-State Estimation in the Labrador Sea and Baffin Bay
Authors: Fenty Ian , Heimbach Patrick
Published: November 2012

Sea ice variability in the Labrador Sea is of climatic interest because of its relationship to deep convection, mode-water formation, and the North Atlantic atmospheric circulation. Historically, quantifying the relationship between sea ice and ocean variability has been difficult because of in situ observation paucity and technical challenges associated with synthesizing observations with numerical models. Here the relationship between ice and ocean variability is explored by analyzing new estimates of the ocean–ice state in the northwest North Atlantic. The estimates are syntheses of in situ and satellite hydrographic and ice data with a regional ⅓° coupled ocean–sea ice model. The synthesis of sea ice data is achieved with an improved adjoint of a thermodynamic ice model. Model and data are made consistent, in a least squares sense, by iteratively adjusting control variables, including ocean initial and lateral boundary conditions and the atmospheric state, to minimize an uncertainty-weighted model–data misfit cost function. The utility of the state estimate is demonstrated in an analysis of energy and buoyancy budgets in the marginal ice zone (MIZ). In mid-March the system achieves a state of quasi-equilibrium during which net ice growth and melt approaches zero; newly formed ice diverges from coastal areas and converges via wind and ocean forcing in the MIZ. The convergence of ice mass in the MIZ is ablated primarily by turbulent ocean–ice enthalpy fluxes. The primary source of the enthalpy required for sustained MIZ ice ablation is the sensible heat reservoir of the subtropical-origin subsurface waters.
The Use and Effects of Incentives in Surveys
Authors: Singer Eleanor , Ye Cong
Published: November 2012

This article is intended to supplement rather than replace earlier reviews of research on survey incentives, especially those by Singer (2002); Singer and Kulka (2002); and Cantor, O’Hare, and O’Connor (2008). It is based on a systematic review of articles appearing since 2002 in major journals, supplemented by searches of the Proceedings of the American Statistical Association’s Section on Survey Methodology for unpublished papers. The article begins by drawing on responses to open-ended questions about why people are willing to participate in a hypothetical survey. It then lays out the theoretical justification for using monetary incentives and the conditions under which they are hypothesized to be particularly effective. Finally, it summarizes research on how incentives affect response rates in cross-sectional and longitudinal studies and, to the extent information is available, how they affect response quality, nonresponse error, and cost-effectiveness. A special section on incentives in Web surveys is included.
Consequences of Survey Nonresponse
Authors: Peytchev Andy
Published: November 2012

Nonresponse is a prominent problem in sample surveys. At face value, it reduces the trust in survey estimates. Nonresponse undermines the probability-based inferential mechanism and introduces the potential for nonresponse bias. In addition, there are other important consequences. The effort to limit increasing nonresponse has led to higher survey costs—allocation of greater resources to measure and reduce nonresponse. Nonresponse has also led to greater survey complexity in terms of design, implementation, and processing of survey data, such as the use of multiphase and responsive designs. The use of mixed-mode and multiframe designs to address nonresponse increases complexity but also introduces other sources of error. Surveys have to rely to a greater extent on statistical adjustments and auxiliary data. This article describes the major consequences of survey nonresponse, with particular attention to recent years.
Can Administrative Records Be Used to Reduce Nonresponse Bias?
Authors: Czajka John L.
Published: November 2012

One option for addressing the bias that may result from survey nonresponse is to make greater use of the administrative records that federal and state agencies compile. Such records have been used to assess response bias but less often to correct for such error. Direct substitution of administrative records for survey data, as is done for income data in Canada, provides a means of compensating for survey nonresponse; but the limitations of such data must be recognized. Administrative records may not cover the entire population of interest, may utilize a different unit of observation, may have wide variation in data quality across items or by agency, and may have timeliness issues. In using administrative records, researchers cede control over the content of individual variables, which may differ from survey concepts and be subject to change. Furthermore, privacy protections embodied in law restrict the use of many types of administrative records.
An Assessment of the Multi-level Integrated Database Approach
Authors: Smith Tom W. , Kim Jibum
Published: November 2012

The Multi-level Integrated Database Approach (MIDA) is an innovative procedure to improve survey research in general and to assess and adjust for nonresponse bias in particular. Its utility for data collection, nonresponse measurement, estimate adjustment, interviewer validation, and analysis are considered. Also discussed is how MIDA extends survey methodology beyond existing practices. A demonstration of a MIDA-enhanced sample frame for U.S. households is carried out. Finally, further steps for the use and testing of MIDA are covered.
Clinical Toxicology and Management of Intoxications With Synthetic Cathinones (“Bath Salts”)
Authors: Mas-Morey P. , Visser M. H. M. , Winkelmolen L. , Touw D. J.
Published: November 2012

Synthetic cathinones are synthetic derivatives of the natural cathinone, one of the psychoactive compounds present in Catha edulis (khat). There are at least 12 different types of synthetic cathinones, with mephedrone and 3,4-methylendioxypyrovalerone (MDPV) being the most commonly used by the purchasers. The legal control of these substances is especially difficult because when a specific compound is banned, a new slightly modified chemical variant is introduced into the market. It has been described that patients after taking synthetic cathinones may show signs and symptoms of the sympathicomimetic toxidrome, including agitation, psychosis, tachycardia, hypertension, and seizures. Furthermore, some cases of deaths related to their consumption have also been reported. Nowadays, there is no established treatment protocol for the clinical management of these intoxications. Because of this, we have developed some recommendations that may be useful to determine the treatment of these patients.
Complementary Therapies in Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: Braga Sarah F. Fowler , Almgren Michaela M.
Published: November 2012

Cystic fibrosis is one of the most common autosomal recessive genetic disorders in caucasians of Northern European descent, affecting approximately 30 000 children and adults living in the United States, today. Complications of this chronic disease result in deterioration of lung function and development of pancreatic abnormalities requiring pharmacological therapy and may include patients seeking complementary and alternative option for treatment. Health care professionals should be knowledgeable of these therapies to effectively provide education and drug therapy management. This article offers an overview of the most common complementary therapies in cystic fibrosis such as vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, omega 3 fatty acids, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), garlic, ginseng, and curcumin.
The effects of vitamin D repletion on endothelial function and inflammation in patients with coronary artery disease
Authors: Sokol Seth I , Srinivas Vankeepuram , Crandall Jill P , Kim Mimi , Tellides George , Lebastchi Amir , Yu Yiting , Gupta Alok K , Alderman Michael H
Published: November 2012

Adequate vitamin D levels may promote cardiovascular health by improving endothelial function and down-regulating inflammation. The objective of this pilot trial was to investigate the effects of vitamin D repletion on endothelial function and inflammation in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). Using a double-blind placebo wait-list control design, 90 subjects with CAD and vitamin D deficiency (< 20 ng/ml) were randomized 1:1 to 50,000 IU of oral ergocalciferol or placebo weekly for 12 weeks. Endothelial function (reactive hyperemia peripheral arterial tonometry, RH-PAT), circulating adhesion molecules, and pro-inflammatory cytokines were measured at baseline and 12 weeks. The median increase in serum 25-vitamin D from baseline was 26 ± 17 ng/ml in the active group and 4 ± 8 ng/ml in the placebo group (between-group difference = 22 ng/ml, p < 0.001). The median within-subject change in RH-PAT score was 0.13 ± 0.73 with active treatment and −0.04 ± 0.63 with placebo (between-group difference = 0.17, p = 0.44). Within-group and between-group differences in intercellular adhesion molecule levels were greater with placebo (between-group difference = 6 ng/ml, p = 0.048). Vascular cell adhesion molecule levels decreased in both groups by a similar magnitude (median difference between groups = 8.5 ng/ml, p = 0.79). There was no difference between groups in magnitude of reduction in interleukin (IL)-12 (−8.6 ng/ml, p = 0.72) and interferon-gamma (0.52 ng/ml, p = 0.88). No significant differences in blood pressure, e-selectin, high-sensitivity c-reactive protein, IL-6 or the chemokine CXCL-10 were found with treatment. In conclusion, repleting vitamin D levels in subjects with CAD failed to demonstrate any benefits on surrogate markers of cardiovascular health. These results question the role of vitamin D supplementation in modifying cardiovascular disease.
Tracing ambivalent norms of sexuality: Agony columns, audience responses and parody
Authors: Kolehmainen Marjo
Published: November 2012

The article discusses the organization of sexuality in the late modern societies, with emphasis on the significance of humorous style in the doing of sexual norms. The empirical data employed in the study consists of the agony column of the Finnish magazine City and the readers’ online responses to it. The column explores sexual differences and makes a variety of desires public, but also participates in the mass-mediated regulation of sexualities. Furthermore, it parodies the agony column convention, apparently operating as a way to resist formal sex education discourses and normative understandings of sexuality, yet ultimately it contributes to shaping sexual norms in nuanced ways. My research query has three parts. In the first, I focus on the ambivalent construction of normative heterosexuality through emotional mediation and questions of taste. In the second, I examine the connections between non-normative sexualities and other forms of cultural ‘otherness’. In the third, I trace the online responses from readers in order to understand how sexual norms are negotiated. In the data, sexual norms appear situated, as a particular sexual practice can either be approved or disapproved. Despite the general ambiguousness, sexual norms are (re)structured around intersecting social categories, such as gender, class, ‘race’ and ethnicity.
Sex/gender identity: Moving beyond fixed and ‘natural’ categories
Authors: Carrera María Victoria , DePalma Renée , Lameiras Maria
Published: November 2012

Despite feminist understandings of the socially constructed nature of sex and gender and anthropological studies of alternative constructions, western societies tend to understand sex and gender in terms of mutually-exclusive hierarchical categories. We analyze the process by which a heteronormative sex-gender-sexuality system is constructed and legitimized to the exclusion of those whose physiology and/or behaviors do not conform to it. We provide some insights into ways in which the extraordinary diversity of sex-gender can be recognized and valued on various social planes, through activism, the production and critique of popular culture, and education.
Efficacy of High-Frequency Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in Treatment-Resistant Depression
Authors: Tarhan Nevzat , Sayar F. Gökben Hızlı , Tan Oğuz , Kağan Gaye
Published: November 2012

We examined the efficacy of high-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) in 419 patients with treatment-resistant depression. The patients received daily sessions of rTMS over the left prefrontal cortex as an adjuvant to pharmacotherapy. The rTMS intensity was set at 100% of the motor threshold and 25 Hz stimulation, with train duration of 2 seconds delivered at 30-second intervals. A full course comprised 1000 magnetic pulses. Depression was rated using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD) before and after treatment. Response was defined as a 50% reduction in the HAMD score. Patients with HAMD scores of less than 8 were considered to be in remission. The mean HAMD score for the study group decreased from 22.59 ± 5.92 to 10.50 ± 5.83 ( P < .001). After the treatment period, 268 (64%) out of 419 patients demonstrated significant mood improvements, as indexed by a reduction of more than 50% on the HAMD score. In addition, 140 patients (33.4%) attained remission (HAMD score <8); and 11 patients achieved a partial response. Treatment was generally well tolerated, and no serious adverse effects were reported. In conclusion, high-frequency (25 Hz) rTMS was well tolerated and found to be statistically and clinically effective in patients with treatment-resistant depression. This study contributed to the existing evidence of the antidepressant effect of rTMS in the treatment of depression.
EEG Current Source Density and the Phenomenology of the Default Network
Authors: Cannon Rex L. , Baldwin Debora R.
Published: November 2012

In recent years, there has been an increasing line of research dedicated to the investigation of the default mode network (DMN) of the brain and resting state networks. However, the mental activity of the DMN has not been rigorously assessed to date. The specific aims of the current study were 2-fold: First, we sought to determine whether the current source density (CSD) levels in the DMN would correspond to other neuroimaging techniques. Second, we sought to understand the subjective mental activity of the DMN during baseline recordings. This study was conducted with 63 nonclinical participants, 34 female and 29 males with a mean age of 19.2 years (standard deviation = 2.0). The participants were recorded in 8 conditions. First, 4-minute eyes-closed baseline (ECB) and eyes-opened baseline (EOB) were obtained. The participants then completed 3 assessment instruments and 3 image conditions while the electroencephalography (EEG) was continuously recorded. Participants completed subjective reports for baselines and image conditions. These were rated by 3 independent raters and compared for reliability using a random effects model with an absolute agreement definition. The mean CSD between all conditions differed significantly, in many but not all regions of interest in the DMN. Interestingly, as suggested by other studies, the DMN appears preferential to self-relevant, self-specific, or self-perceptive processes. The reliability analyses show α for interrater agreement for ECB at .95 and EOB at .96. The subjective reports obtained from the participants regarding the mental activities employed during baseline recordings correspond to attentional and self-regulatory processes, which may also implicate the resting state or DMN as playing a direct role in the maintenance of a complex behavior (eg, being still, attending, and self-regulating). Thus, attention and self-regulation constitute the phenomenology of the resting state (DMN) in this study. The results also demonstrate that EEG CSD is a useful method to examine the DMN during concept-specific tasks to elucidate the neural activity associated with these concepts. Standardized low-resolution electromagnetic tomography (sLORETA) can localize to 5 mm3, which is comparable to the findings in functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). However, sLORETA can provide data about the difference in activity between groups, individuals, or populations which in many cases fMRI cannot provide.
Media Fragmentation, Party System, and Democracy
Authors: Mancini Paolo
Published: November 2012

This paper discusses the possible consequences of mass media fragmentation over the structure and the functioning of democracy. Media fragmentation and audience segmentation are not new but they greatly increased in the very last years because of the long ongoing tendency towards commercialization and mostly because of the development of new media and the internet in particular. This has determined what is usually defined “the crisis of traditional journalism” that has become the very frequent topic of most of the seminar on journalism today. The last part of the paper looks at the possible consequences of these changes over the structure of democracy beyond the well rooted techno-optimism: increasing social and political polarization, new forms of political socialization, more complex process of social and political negotiation, new forms of public scrutiny.
Modelling and estimation of genotype by environment interactions for production traits in French dairy cattle
Authors: Huquet Bérénice , Leclerc Hélène , Ducrocq Vincent
Published: November 2012

Background

Genotype by environment interactions are currently ignored in national genetic evaluations of dairy cattle. However, this is often questioned, especially when environment or herd management is wide-ranging. The aim of this study was to assess genotype by environment interactions for production traits (milk, protein, fat yields and fat and protein contents) in French dairy cattle using an original approach to characterize the environments.

Methods

Genetic parameters of production traits were estimated for three breeds (Holstein, Normande and Montbéliarde) using multiple-trait and reaction norm models. Variables derived from Herd Test Day profiles obtained after a test day model evaluation were used to define herd environment.

Results

Multiple-trait and reaction norm models gave similar results. Genetic correlations were very close to unity for all traits, except between some extreme environments. However, a relatively wide range of heritabilities by trait and breed was found across environments. This was more the case for milk, protein and fat yields than for protein and fat contents.

Conclusions

No real reranking of animals was observed across environments. However, a significant scale effect exists: the more intensive the herd management for milk yield, the larger the heritability.
Mode of primary cancer detection as an indicator of screening practice for second primary cancer in cancer survivors: a nationwide survey in Korea
Authors: Suh Beomseok , Shin Dong Wook , Kim So Young , Park Jae-Hyun , Chang Weon Young , Lim Seung Pyung , Yim Chang-Yeol , Cho Be-Long , Park Eun-Cheol , Park Jong-Hyock
Published: November 2012

Background

While knowledge and risk perception have been associated with screening for second primary cancer (SPC), there are no clinically useful indicators to identify who is at risk of not being properly screened for SPC. We investigated whether the mode of primary cancer detection (i.e. screen-detected vs. non-screen-detected) is associated with subsequent completion of all appropriate SPC screening in cancer survivors.

Methods

Data were collected from cancer patients treated at the National Cancer Center and nine regional cancer centers across Korea. A total of 512 cancer survivors older than 40, time since diagnosis more than 2 years, and whose first primary cancer was not advanced or metastasized were selected. Multivariate logistic regression was used to examine factors, including mode of primary cancer detection, associated with completion of all appropriate SPC screening according to national cancer screening guidelines.

Results

Being screen-detected for their first primary cancer was found to be significantly associated with completion of all appropriate SPC screening (adjusted odds ratio, 2.13; 95% confidence interval, 1.36–3.33), after controlling for demographic and clinical variables. Screen-detected cancer survivors were significantly more likely to have higher household income, have other comorbidities, and be within 5 years since diagnosis.

Conclusions

The mode of primary cancer detection, a readily available clinical information, can be used as an indicator for screening practice for SPC in cancer survivors. Education about the importance of SPC screening will be helpful particularly for cancer survivors whose primary cancer was not screen-detected.
Chemo-enzymatic synthesis and in vitro cytokine profiling of tailor-made oligofructosides
Authors: Homann Arne , Timm Malte , Seibel Jürgen
Published: November 2012

Background

It is well known that carbohydrates play fundamental roles in cell signaling and infection processes as well as tumor formation and progression. However, the interaction pathways and cellular receptors targeted by carbohydrates and glycoconjugates remain poorly examined and understood. This lack of research stems, at least to a major part, from accessibility problems of large, branched oligosaccharides.

Results

To test glycan - cell interactions in vitro, a variety of tailored oligosaccharides was synthesized chemo-enzymatically. Glycosyltransferases from the GRAS organisms Bacillus megaterium (SacB) and Aspergillus niger (Suc1) were used in this study. Substrate engineering of these glycosyltransferases generally acting on sucrose leads to the controlled formation of novel tailored di-, tri- and tetrasaccharides. Already industrially used as prebiotics in functional food, the immunogenic potential of novel oligosaccharides was characterized in this study. A differential secretion of CXCL8 and CCL2 was observed upon oligosaccharide co-cultivation with colorectal epithelial Caco-2 cells.

Conclusion

Pure carbohydrates are able to stimulate a cytokine response in human endothelial cells in vitro. The type and amount of cytokine secretion depends on the type of co-cultivated oligosaccharide.
Genotype comparison of Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium falciparum clones from pregnant and non-pregnant populations in North-west Colombia
Authors: Arango Eliana M , Samuel Roshini , Agudelo Olga M , Carmona-Fonseca Jaime , Maestre Amanda , Yanow Stephanie K
Published: November 2012

Background

Placental malaria is the predominant pathology secondary to malaria in pregnancy, causing substantial maternal and infant morbidity and mortality in tropical areas. While it is clear that placental parasites are phenotypically different from those in the peripheral circulation, it is not known whether unique genotypes are associated specifically with placental infection or perhaps more generally with pregnancy. In this study, genetic analysis was performed onPlasmodium vivaxandPlasmodium falciparumparasites isolated from peripheral and placental blood in pregnant women living in North-west Colombia, and compared with parasites causing acute malaria in non-pregnant populations.

Methods

A total of 57 pregnant women at delivery with malaria infection confirmed by real-time PCR in peripheral or placental blood were included, as well as 50 pregnant women in antenatal care and 80 men or non-pregnant women with acute malaria confirmed by a positive thick smear forP. vivaxorP. falciparum. Five molecular markers per species were genotyped by nested PCR and capillary electrophoresis. Genetic diversity and the fixation index FSTper species and study group were calculated and compared.

Results

Almost all infections at delivery were asymptomatic with significantly lower levels of infection compared with the groups with acute malaria. Expected heterozygosity forP. vivaxmolecular markers ranged from 0.765 to 0.928 and forP. falciparummarkers ranged from 0.331 to 0.604. ForP. vivaxinfections, the genetic diversity was similar amongst the four study groups and the fixation index from each pairwise comparison failed to show significant genetic differentiation. ForP. falciparum, no genetic differentiation was observed between placental and peripheral parasites from the same woman at delivery, but the parasites isolated at delivery showed significant genetic differentiation compared with parasites isolated from subjects with acute malaria.

Conclusions

In North-west Colombia,P. vivaxparasites have high genetic diversity that is equivalent in pregnant and non-pregnant populations as well as in symptomatic and asymptomatic infections. ForP. falciparum, the overall genetic diversity is lower, with specific genotypes associated with asymptomatic infections at delivery.
Formation of Ga droplets on patterned GaAs (100) by molecular beam epitaxy
Authors: Li Ming-Yu , Hirono Yusuke , Koukourinkova Sabina D , Sui Mao , Song Sangmin , Kim Eun-Soo , Lee Jihoon , Salamo Gregory J
Published: November 2012

In this paper, the formation of Ga droplets on photo-lithographically patterned GaAs (100) and the control of the size and density of Ga droplets by droplet epitaxy using molecular beam epitaxy are demonstrated. In extension of our previous result from the journal Physical Status Solidi A, volume 209 in 2012, the sharp contrast of the size and density of Ga droplets is clearly observed by high-resolution scanning electron microscope, atomic force microscope, and energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry. Also, additional monolayer (ML) coverage is added to strength the result. The density of droplets is an order of magnitude higher on the trench area (etched area), while the size of droplets is much larger on the strip top area (un-etched area). A systematic variation of ML coverage results in an establishment of the control of size and density of Ga droplets. The cross-sectional line profile analysis and root mean square roughness analysis show that the trench area (etched area) is approximately six times rougher. The atomic surface roughness is suggested to be the main cause of the sharp contrast of the size and density of Ga droplets and is discussed in terms of surface diffusion.
Growth and characterization of thin Cu-phthalocyanine films on MgO(001) layer for organic light-emitting diodes
Authors: Bae Yu Jeong , Lee Nyun Jong , Kim Tae Hee , Cho Hyunduck , Lee Changhee , Fleet Luke , Hirohata Atsufumi
Published: November 2012

Surface morphology and thermal stability of Cu-phthalocyanine (CuPc) films grown on an epitaxially grown MgO(001) layer were investigated by using atomic force microscope and X-ray diffractometer. The (002) textured β phase of CuPc films were prepared at room temperature beyond the epitaxial MgO/Fe/MgO(001) buffer layer by the vacuum deposition technique. The CuPc structure remained stable even after post-annealing at 350°C for 1 h under vacuum, which is an important advantage of device fabrication. In order to improve the device performance, we investigated also current-voltage-luminescence characteristics for the new top-emitting organic light-emitting diodes with different thicknesses of CuPc layer.
On fixed points of α-ψ-contractive multifunctions
Authors: Asl J Hasanzade , Rezapour S , Shahzad N
Published: November 2012

Recently Samet, Vetro and Vetro introduced the notion of α-ψ-contractive type mappings and established some fixed point theorems in complete metric spaces. In this paper, we introduce the notion of

α
∗

-
ψ

-contractive multifunctions and give a fixed point result for these multifunctions. We also obtain a fixed point result for self-maps in complete metric spaces satisfying a contractive condition.
Phylogenetic diversity and genotypic complexity of H1N1 subtype swine influenza viruses isolated in Mainland China
Authors: Liu Yizhi , Wang Jing , Ji Jun , Chang Shuang , Xue Chunyi , Ma Jingyun , Bi Yingzuo , Xie Qingmei
Published: November 2012

Background

After the occurrence of 2009 pandemic H1N1, close attention has been paid to the H1N1 subtype swine influenza viruses (H1N1 SIV) by scientific communities in many countries. A large-scale sequence analysis of the NCBI Influenza Virus Resource Database on H1N1 SIVs submitted primarily by scientists in China during 1992 to 2011 was performed. The aims of this study were to elucidate the genetic and evolutionary characteristics of H1N1 SIVs, to identify and unify the lineages and genetic characteristics of the H1N1 SIVs isolated in mainland China.

Results

Most of the strains were isolated during the period of 2008 to 2010 from Guangdong and Shandong provinces, China. Based on the phylogenetic and genotypic analyses, all of the H1N1 SIV strains can be classified into 8 lineages and 10 genotypes. All strains were of the characteristics of low pathogenic influenza viruses. The viruses of different lineage are characterized with different amino acid residues at the receptor-binding sites. Viruses containing PB2 genes of the classical swine, early seasonal human and recent seasonal human lineage might be more infectious to human. Some genotypes were directly related with human influenza viruses, which include strains that harbored genes derived from human influenza viruses.

Conclusions

Phylogenetic diversity and complexity existed in H1N1 SIVs isolated in mainland China. These H1N1 SIV strains were closely related to other subtype influenza viruses, especially to human influenza viruses. Moreover, it was shown that, novel lineages and genotypes of H1N1 SIVs emerged recently in mainland China. These findings provided new and essential information for further understanding of the genetic and evolutionary characteristics and monitoring the H1N1 SIVs in mainland China.
Performance and diagnostic usefulness of commercially available enzyme linked immunosorbent assay and rapid kits for detection of HIV, HBV and HCV in India
Authors: Maity Susmita , Nandi Srijita , Biswas Subrata , Sadhukhan Salil Kumar , Saha Malay Kumar
Published: November 2012

Background

HIV, HBV and HCV pose a major public health problem throughout the world. Detection of infection markers for these agents is a major challenge for testing laboratories in a resource poor setting. As blood transfusion is an important activity saving millions of live every year, it also carries a risk of transfusion transmissible infections caused by these fatal blood borne pathogens if the quality of testing is compromised. Conventional ELISA is regarded as the mostly used screening technique but due to limitations like high cost, unavailability in many blood banks and testing sites, involvement of costly instruments, time taking nature and requirement of highly skilled personnel for interpretation, rapid tests are gaining more importance and warrants comparison of performance.

Results

A comparative study between these two techniques has been performed using commercially available diagnostic kits to assess their efficacy for detection of HIV, HBV and HCV infections. Rapid kits were more efficient in specificity with synthetic antigens along with high PPV than ELISA in most cases. Comparison between different ELISA kits revealed that Microlisa HIV and Hepalisa (J. Mitra & Co. Pvt. Ltd.); ERBA LISA HIV1 + 2, ERBA LISA Hepatitis B and ERBA LISA HCV (Transasia Bio-medicals Ltd.) gives uniform result with good performance in terms of sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV and efficiency, whereas, Microlisa HCV (J. Mitra & Co. Pvt. Ltd.), Microscreen HBsAg ELISA and INNOVA HCV (Span Diagnostics Ltd.) did not perform well. Rapid kits were also having high degree of sensitivity and specificity (100%) except in HIV Comb and HCV Comb (J. Mitra & Co. Pvt. Ltd.). The kit efficiency didn’t vary significantly among different companies and lots in all the cases except for HCV ELISA showing statistically significant variation (p < 0.01) among three kit types.

Conclusions

ELISA is a good screening assay for markers of HIV, HBV and HCV infections. Rapid tests are useful for further detection of false positive samples. ELISA seems the appropriate assay in blood bank. For availability of quality commercial diagnostic assays, evaluation of kit may be helpful.
Pancreatitis of biliary origin, optimal timing of cholecystectomy (PONCHO trial): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Bouwense Stefan A , Besselink Marc G , van Brunschot Sandra , Bakker Olaf J , van Santvoort Hjalmar C , Schepers Nicolien J , Boermeester Marja A , Bollen Thomas L , Bosscha Koop , Brink Menno A , Bruno Marco J , Consten Esther C , Dejong Cornelis H , van Duijvendijk Peter , van Eijck Casper H , Gerritsen Jos J , van Goor Harry , Heisterkamp Joos , de Hingh Ignace H , Kruyt Philip M , Molenaar I Quintus , Nieuwenhuijs Vincent B , Rosman Camiel , Schaapherder Alexander F , Scheepers Joris J , Spanier Marcel BW , Timmer Robin , Weusten Bas L , Witteman Ben J , van Ramshorst Bert , Gooszen Hein G , Boerma Djamila ,   for the Dutch Pancreatitis Study Group
Published: November 2012

Background

After an initial attack of biliary pancreatitis, cholecystectomy minimizes the risk of recurrent biliary pancreatitis and other gallstone-related complications. Guidelines advocate performing cholecystectomy within 2 to 4 weeks after discharge for mild biliary pancreatitis. During this waiting period, the patient is at risk of recurrent biliary events. In current clinical practice, surgeons usually postpone cholecystectomy for 6 weeks due to a perceived risk of a more difficult dissection in the early days following pancreatitis and for logistical reasons. We hypothesize that early laparoscopic cholecystectomy minimizes the risk of recurrent biliary pancreatitis or other complications of gallstone disease in patients with mild biliary pancreatitis without increasing the difficulty of dissection and the surgical complication rate compared with interval laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Methods/Design

PONCHO is a randomized controlled, parallel-group, assessor-blinded, superiority multicenter trial. Patients are randomly allocated to undergo early laparoscopic cholecystectomy, within 72 hours after randomization, or interval laparoscopic cholecystectomy, 25 to 30 days after randomization. During a 30-month period, 266 patients will be enrolled from 18 hospitals of the Dutch Pancreatitis Study Group. The primary endpoint is a composite endpoint of mortality and acute re-admissions for biliary events (that is, recurrent biliary pancreatitis, acute cholecystitis, symptomatic/obstructive choledocholithiasis requiring endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreaticography including cholangitis (with/without endoscopic sphincterotomy), and uncomplicated biliary colics) occurring within 6 months following randomization. Secondary endpoints include the individual endpoints of the composite endpoint, surgical and other complications, technical difficulty of cholecystectomy and costs.

Discussion

The PONCHO trial is designed to show that early laparoscopic cholecystectomy (within 72 hours) reduces the combined endpoint of mortality and re-admissions for biliary events as compared with interval laparoscopic cholecystectomy (between 25 and 30 days) after recovery of a first episode of mild biliary pancreatitis.

Trial registration

Current Controlled Trials: ISRCTN72764151
Carbon catabolite repression in Thermoanaerobacterium saccharolyticum
Authors: Tsakraklides Vasiliki , Shaw A Joe , Miller Bethany B , Hogsett David A , Herring Christopher D
Published: November 2012

Background

The thermophilic anaerobe Thermoanaerobacterium saccharolyticum is capable of directly fermenting xylan and the biomass-derived sugars glucose, cellobiose, xylose, mannose, galactose and arabinose. It has been metabolically engineered and developed as a biocatalyst for the production of ethanol.

Results

We report the initial characterization of the carbon catabolite repression system in this organism. We find that sugar metabolism in T. saccharolyticum is regulated by histidine-containing protein HPr. We describe a mutation in HPr, His15Asp, that leads to derepression of less-favored carbon source utilization.

Conclusion

Co-utilization of sugars can be achieved by mutation of HPr in T. saccharolyticum. Further manipulation of CCR in this organism will be instrumental in achieving complete and rapid conversion of all available sugars to ethanol.
Bronchiectasis and hoarseness of voice in takayasu arteritis: a rare presentation
Authors: ND Perera Gamage , C Jayasinghe Anusha , D Dias Lalindra , Kulatunga Aruna
Published: November 2012

Background

Takayasu arteritis is a large vessel vasculitis occurring in young females. We report a rare presentation of Takayasu arteritis in a Sri Lankan woman. She presented with bronchiectasis and left recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy prior to the onset of vascular symptoms. This case illustrates an atypical presentation of this disease and the diagnostic dilemma that the physician may be faced with.

Case presentation

A 39-year-old woman presented with chronic cough, haemoptysis and hoarseness of voice. She had left recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy and high inflammatory markers on investigation. CT thorax revealed aortic wall thickening and traction bronchiectasis. 2 D echocardiogram revealed grade 1 aortic regurgitation compatible with aortitis. She did not have weak peripheral pulses or a blood pressure discrepancy and did not meet American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria for diagnosis of Takayasu arteritis at this stage. Tuberculosis, syphilis and sarcoidosis was excluded. While awaiting angiography, she developed left arm claudication and a pericardial effusion. Angiography revealed evidence of Takayasu arteritis and absence of flow in the left subclavian artery. Takayasu arteritis was diagnosed at this stage after a period of eight months from the onset of initial symptoms. She is currently on prednisolone, azathioprine and aspirin.

Conclusion

Bronchiectasis and recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy is a rare presentation of Takayasu arteritis. Atypical presentations can occur in Takayasu arteritis prior to the onset of vascular symptoms. Elevation of inflammatory markers are an early finding. A high degree of suspicion is needed to identify these patients in the early course of the disease.
Evaluation of protective immune responses induced by DNA vaccines encoding Toxoplasma gondii surface antigen 1 (SAG1) and 14-3-3 protein in BALB/c mice
Authors: Meng Min , He Shenyi , Zhao Guanghui , Bai Yang , Zhou Huaiyu , Cong Hua , Lu Gang , Zhao Qunli , Zhu Xing-Quan
Published: November 2012

Background

Toxoplasmosis, caused by an obligate intracellular protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii, has been a serious clinical and veterinary problem. Effective DNA vaccines against T. gondii can prevent and control the spread of toxoplasmosis, which is important for both human health and the farming industry. The T. gondii 14-3-3 protein has been proved to be antigenic and immunogenic and was a potential vaccine candidate against toxoplasmosis. In this study, we evaluated the immune responses induced by recombinant plasmids encoding T. gondii surface antigen 1 (SAG1) and 14-3-3 protein by immunizing BALB/c mice intramuscularly.

Methods

In the present study, BALB/c mice were randomly divided into five groups, including three experimental groups (pSAG1, p14-3-3 and pSAG1/14-3-3) and two control groups (PBS and pBudCE4.1), and were immunized intramuscularly three times. The levels of IgG antibodies and cytokine production in mouse sera were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). Two weeks after the last immunization, all mice were challenged intraperitoneally (i.p.) with 1×104 tachyzoites of T. gondii and the survival time of mice was observed and recorded every day.

Results

Mice vaccinated with pSAG1, p14-3-3 or pSAG1/14-3-3 developed high levels of IgG2a and gamma interferon (IFN-γ) and low levels of interleukin-4 (IL-4) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) compared to control groups (PBS or pBudCE4.1), which suggested a modulated Th1 type immune response (P<0.05). After intraperitoneal challenge with 1×104 tachyzoites of T. gondii (RH strain), the survival time of mice in experimental groups was longer than control groups (P<0.05). Mouse immunized with pSAG1/14-3-3 induced a higher level of IgG antibody response and significantly prolonged the survival time when compared with pSAG1 or p14-3-3 (P<0.05).

Conclusions

The study suggested that T. gondii 14-3-3 protein can induce effective immune responses in BALB/c mice and was a novel DNA vaccine candidate against toxoplasmosis, and the immune protective efficacy elicited by SAG1 gene was also demonstrated. Our results also showed multi-gene vaccine significantly enhanced immune responses and protective efficacy and was superior to the single-gene vaccine.
Pleurodesis by erythromycin, tetracycline, Aerosil™ 200, and erythromycin plus Aerosil™ 200 in a rat model: a preliminary study
Authors: Hashemzadeh Shahryar , Hashemzadeh Khosrow , Mamaghani Kamran , Ansari Elnaz , Aligholipour Raheleh , Golzari Samad EJ , Ghabili Kamyar
Published: November 2012

Background

None of the current pleurodesing agents fulfil all the criteria for best pleural sclerosant. Therefore, the search for the ideal agent for chemical pleurodesis still continues. The aim of the present study was to compare the effectiveness of erythromycin, tetracycline, Aerosil™ 200 (hydrophilic fumed amorphous silica), and erythromycin plus Aerosil™ 200 in producing pleurodesis in rats. In the present study, talc was not used as a pleurodesing agent due to an unavailability of its sterile and pure form in Iran.

Methods

Overall, 75 adult male Spraque-Dawley rats were randomized to 5 treatment groups. Each group received an intrapleural injection via 5 Fr Silastic tubes of one of the following sterile agents: 35mg/kg erythromycin in 2 ml of saline, 35mg/kg tetracycline in 2 ml of saline, 35mg/kg Aerosil™ 200 in 2ml of saline, erythromycin (35mg/kg in 2 ml of saline) plus Aerosil™ 200 (35mg/kg in 2 ml of saline), or 2 ml of saline as a control. The animals were euthanized and necropsied 30 days after injection. The pleurae were assessed for macroscopic and microscopic evidence of surrounding inflammation and fibrosis.

Results

The median macroscopic score in the Aerosil™ 200 group was significantly higher than that in the erythromycin group (P < 0.005). The median microscopic score in the erythromycin group was significantly lower than that in the Aerosil™ 200 and erythromycin plus Aerosil™ 200 groups (P < 0.005). Furthermore, maximum and minimum pleural fibrosis was observed in the erythromycin plus Aerosil™ 200 and erythromycin groups, respectively (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

This study suggests that Aerosil™ 200 with or without erythromycin may be more potent pleurodesis agent than erythromycin and tetracycline.
Cognitive impairment and the associated risk factors among the elderly in the Shanghai urban area: a pilot study from China
Authors: Zhuang Jun-Peng , Wang Gang , Cheng Qi , Wang Li-Ling , Fang Rong , Liu Li-Hua , Xiong Ran , Zhang Yu , Gui Ya-Xing , Kang Wen-Yan , Tang Hui-Dong , Chen Sheng-Di
Published: November 2012

Objectives

Our study aimed to investigate the prevalence of cognitive impairment(CI) and the associated risk factors among elderly people in Shanghai urban area, China.

Methods

A population-based survey was conducted among people aged 55 years or older in urban areas of Shanghai. Face-to-face interviews were carried out to collect information including demographic characteristics, medical history, and medication use, etc. The validated Chinese version of the Mini-Mental State Examination(MMSE) was used to screen subjects with CI, and the criteria of CI were adjusted for education levels.

Results

A total of 3,176 home-living residents (≥55 years old) were included in the study. Among them, 266 people (102 men and 164 women) were identified as cognition impaired, with a prevalence of 8.38% (266/3,176, 95% CI: (8.26, 8.49)) for both genders, 9.21% (102/1,107,95% CI: (9.18, 9.33)) for men and 7.93% (164/2,069, 95% CI: (7.80, 8.09)) for women, respectively. Furthermore, we found that several significant risk factors, including social factors(education, number of children, marriage status, and family structure), physiological factors (age, blood glucose level, and obesity), factors on living styles(physical exercise, diet & chronic diseases), and genetic factor(ApoE), associated with CI onset.

Conclusions

This study confirms the high prevalence of CI among the elderly population in the Shanghai urban in China, similar to previous epidemiologic studies in Western countries. The putative risk factors associated with CI merit further investigated.