bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Landscape Aesthetics and the Scenic Drivers of Amenity Migration in the New West: Naturalness, Visual Scale, and Complexity
Authors: Vukomanovic Jelena , Orr Barron
Published: April 2014

Values associated with scenic beauty are common “pull factors” for amenity migrants, however the specific landscape features that attract amenity migration are poorly understood. In this study we focused on three visual quality metrics of the intermountain West (USA), with the objective of exploring the relationship between the location of exurban homes and aesthetic landscape preference, as exemplified through greenness, viewshed size, and terrain ruggedness. Using viewshed analysis, we compared the viewsheds of actual exurban houses to the viewsheds of randomly-distributed simulated (validation) houses. We found that the actual exurban households can see significantly more vegetation and a more rugged (complex) terrain than simulated houses. Actual exurban homes see a more rugged terrain, but do not necessarily see the highest peaks, suggesting that visual complexity throughout the viewshed may be more important. The viewsheds visible from the actual exurban houses were significantly larger than those visible from the simulated houses, indicating that visual scale is important to the general aesthetic experiences of exurbanites. The differences in visual quality metric values between actual exurban and simulated viewsheds call into question the use of county-level scales of analysis for the study of landscape preferences, which may miss key landscape aesthetic drivers of preference.
Two New Cytotoxic Indole Alkaloids from a Deep-Sea Sediment Derived Metagenomic Clone
Authors: Yan Xia , Tang Xi-Xiang , Chen Lin , Yi Zhi-Wei , Fang Mei-Juan , Wu Zhen , Qiu Ying-Kun
Published: April 2014

Two new indole alkaloids, metagenetriindole A (1) and metagenebiindole A (2), were identified from deep-sea sediment metagenomic clone derived Escherichia coli fermentation broth. The structures of new compounds were elucidated by spectroscopic methods. The two new indole alkaloids demonstrated moderately cytotoxic activity against CNE2, Bel7402 and HT1080 cancer cell lines in vitro.
Preparation of Sulfobetaine-Grafted PVDF Hollow Fiber Membranes with a Stably Anti-Protein-Fouling Performance
Authors: Li Qian , Lin Han-Han , Wang Xiao-Lin
Published: April 2014

Based on a two-step polymerization method, two sulfobetaine-based zwitterionic monomers, including 3-(methacryloylamino) propyl-dimethyl-(3-sulfopropyl) ammonium hydroxide (MPDSAH) and 2-(methacryloyloxyethyl) ethyl-dimethyl-(3-sulfopropyl) ammonium (MEDSA), were successfully grafted from poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) hollow fiber membrane surfaces in the presence of N,N′-methylene bisacrylamide (MBAA) as a cross-linking agent. The mechanical properties of the PVDF membrane were improved by the zwitterionic surface layers. The surface hydrophilicity of PVDF membranes was significantly enhanced and the polyMPDSAH-g-PVDF membrane showed a higher hydrophilicity due to the higher grafting amount. Compared to the polyMEDSA-g-PVDF membrane, the polyMPDSAH-g-PVDF membrane showed excellent significantly better anti-protein-fouling performance with a flux recovery ratio (RFR) higher than 90% during the cyclic filtration of a bovine serum albumin (BSA) solution. The polyMPDSAH-g-PVDF membrane showed an obvious electrolyte-responsive behavior and its protein-fouling-resistance performance was improved further during the filtration of the protein solution with 100 mmol/L of NaCl. After cleaned with a membrane cleaning solution for 16 days, the grafted MPDSAH layer on the PVDF membrane could be maintain without any chang; however, the polyMEDSA-g-PVDF membrane lost the grafted MEDSA layer after this treatment. Therefore, the amide group of sulfobetaine, which contributed significantly to the higher hydrophilicity and stability, was shown to be imperative in modifying the PVDF membrane for a stable anti-protein-fouling performance via the two-step polymerization method.
3-D Micro and Nano Technologies for Improvements in Electrochemical Power Devices
Authors: Holmberg Sunshine , Perebikovsky Alexandra , Kulinsky Lawrence , Madou Marc
Published: April 2014

This review focuses on recent advances in micro- and nano-fabrication techniques and their applications to electrochemical power devices, specifically microfabricated Lithium-ion batteries, enzymatic and microbial fuel cells (biofuel cells), and dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Although the maturity of these three technologies ranges from market ready (batteries) to fundamental research (biofuel cells) to applied research (DSSCs), advances in MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) and NEMS (Nano-Electro-Mechanical Systems) techniques, particularly modifications in surface area and surface chemistry, and novel genetic and molecular engineering techniques, significantly improve the electrochemical activity of these technologies across the board. For each of these three categories of power-MEMS devices the review covers: (1) The technical challenges facing the performance and fabrication of electrochemical power devices; (2) Current MEMS and NEMS techniques used to improve efficiency; and (3) Future outlook and suggested improvements of MEMS and NEMS for implementation in electrochemical power devices.
Organic Semiconductor/Insulator Polymer Blends for High-Performance Organic Transistors
Authors: Lee Wi , Park Yeong
Published: April 2014

We reviewed recent advances in high-performance organic field-effect transistors (OFETs) based on organic semiconductor/insulator polymer blends. Fundamental aspects of phase separation in binary blends are discussed with special attention to phase-separated microstructures. Strategies for constructing semiconductor, semiconductor/dielectric, or semiconductor/passivation layers in OFETs by blending organic semiconductors with an insulating polymer are discussed. Representative studies that utilized such blended films in the following categories are covered: vertical phase-separation, processing additives, embedded semiconductor nanowires.
Window Regression: A Spatial-Temporal Analysis to Estimate Pixels Classified as Low-Quality in MODIS NDVI Time Series
Authors: De Oliveira Julio , Epiphanio José , Rennó Camilo
Published: April 2014

MODerate resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) data are largely used in multitemporal analysis of various Earth-related phenomena, such as vegetation phenology, land use/land cover change, deforestation monitoring, and time series analysis. In general, the MODIS products used to undertake multitemporal analysis are composite mosaics of the best pixels over a certain period of time. However, it is common to find bad pixels in the composition that affect the time series analysis. We present a filtering methodology that considers the pixel position (location in space) and time (position in the temporal data series) to define a new value for the bad pixel. This methodology, called Window Regression (WR), estimates the value of the point of interest, based on the regression analysis of the data selected by a spatial-temporal window. The spatial window is represented by eight pixels neighboring the pixel under evaluation, and the temporal window selects a set of dates close to the date of interest (either earlier or later). Intensities of noises were simulated over time and space, using the MOD13Q1 product. The method presented and other techniques (4253H twice, Mean Value Iteration (MVI) and Savitzky–Golay) were evaluated using the Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE) and Akaike Information Criteria (AIC). The tests revealed the consistently superior performance of the Window Regression approach to estimate new Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) values irrespective of the intensity of the noise simulated.
Occult HBV Infection: A Faceless Enemy in Liver Cancer Development
Authors: Morales-Romero Jaime , Vargas Gustavo , García-Román Rebeca
Published: April 2014

The hepatitis B virus (HBV) represents a worldwide public health problem; the virus is present in one third of the global population. However, this rate may in fact be higher due to occult hepatitis B virus infection (OBI). This condition is characterized by the presence of the viral genome in the liver of individuals sero-negative for the virus surface antigen (HBsAg). The causes of the absence of HBsAg in serum are unknown, however, mutations have been identified that produce variants not recognized by current immunoassays. Epigenetic and immunological host mechanisms also appear to be involved in HBsAg suppression. Current evidence suggests that OBI maintains its carcinogenic potential, favoring the progression of fibrosis and cirrhosis of the liver. In common with open HBV infection, OBI can contribute to the establishment of hepatocellular carcinoma. Epidemiological data regarding the global prevalence of OBI vary due to the use of detection methods of different sensitivity and specificity. In Latin America, which is considered an area of low prevalence for HBV, diagnostic screening methods using gene amplification tests for confirmation of OBI are not conducted. This prevents determination of the actual prevalence of OBI, highlighting the need for the implementation of cutting edge technology in epidemiological surveillance systems.
Comparison of the Impact of “Fast Decline” in Residual Renal Function and “Initial Anuria” on Long-Term Outcomes in Capd Patients
Authors: Lu Yi-Hua , Hwang Jyh-Chang , Jiang Ming-Yan , Wang Charn-Ting
Published: April 2014

Background

Residual renal function (RRF) is pivotal to long-term outcomes, while rapid RRF decline (RRFD) is associated with mortality risk for continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patients. This study was conducted to compare the impact of “initial anuria” and rapid RRFD on the long-term prognosis of CAPD patients.

Method

According to the timing of anuria and the slope of RRFD, a total of 255 incident CAPD patients were divided into 3 groups. For the “anuria” group, anuria was detected from CAPD initiation and persisted for > 6 months ( n = 27). Based on the median of the RRFD slope, the other 228 non-anuric patients were divided into a “slow decliner” group ( n = 114), and a “rapid decliner” group ( n = 114). The maximal observation period was 120 months.

Results

Logistic regression tests indicated that the “anuria” group was associated with previous hemodialysis > 3 months (odds ratio [OR]: 8.52, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.12 - 23.28), and female (OR: 0.29, 95% CI: 0.09 - 0.90), while the “fast decliner” group with higher Davies co-morbidity scores (DCS) (OR: 1.52; 95% CI: 1.08 - 2.14), body mass index (BMI) (OR: 1.12; 95% CI: 1.04 - 1.21), and male (OR: 1.12; 95% CI: 1.04 - 1.21). After adjusting for DCS, the “fast decliner” group (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.37; 95% CI: 0.17 - 0.80) showed a better outcome than that of the “anuria” group (reference = 1). Both baseline RRF (β = -0.24; p < 0.001) and DCS (β = -3.76; p < 0.001) showed inverse linear correlations to the slope of RRFD. From the Cox proportional analyses, higher baseline RRF (HR: 0.92; 95% CI: 0.88 - 0.97) and higher slope of RRFD (slower decline in RRF) (HR: 0.90; 95% CI: 0.85 - 0.96) were independent factors for less mortality risk in patients with DCS = 0. However, only a higher slope of RRFD (HR: 0.97; 95% CI: 0.94 - 0.99) was significant for better survival in CAPD patients with DCS > 0.

Conclusion

Compared to the baseline RRF, CAPD patients with co-morbidities that rapidly deteriorate RRFD are more crucially associated with long-term mortality risk.
Utility of Urinary Biomarkers in Predicting Loss of Residual Renal Function: The BAL Anz Trial
Authors: Cho Yeoungjee , Johnson David W. , Vesey David A. , Hawley Carmel M. , Clarke Margaret , Topley Nicholas
Published: April 2014

Background

The ability of urinary biomarkers to predict residual renal function (RRF) decline in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients has not been defined. The present study aimed to explore the utility of established biomarkers from kidney injury models for predicting loss of RRF in incident PD patients, and to evaluate the impact on RRF of using neutral-pH PD solution low in glucose degradation products.

Methods

The study included 50 randomly selected participants from the balANZ trial who had completed 24 months of follow-up. A change in glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was used as the primary clinical outcome measure. In a mixed-effects general linear model, baseline measurements of 18 novel urinary biomarkers and albumin were used to predict GFR change. The model was further used to evaluate the impact of biocompatible PD solution on RRF, adjusted for each biomarker.

Results

Baseline albuminuria was not a useful predictor of change in RRF in PD patients ( p = 0.84). Only clusterin was a significant predictor of GFR decline in the whole population ( p = 0.04, adjusted for baseline GFR and albuminuria). However, the relationship was no longer apparent when albuminuria was removed from the model ( p = 0.31). When the effect of the administered PD solutions was examined using a model adjusted for PD solution type, baseline albuminuria, and GFR, higher baseline urinary concentrations of trefoil factor 3 (TFF3, p = 0.02), kidney injury molecule 1 (KIM-1, p = 0.04), and interferon γ–induced protein 10 (IP-10, p = 0.03) were associated with more rapid decline of RRF in patients receiving conventional PD solution compared with biocompatible PD solution.

Conclusions

Higher urinary levels of kidney injury biomarkers (TFF3, KIM-1, IP-10) at baseline predicted significantly slower RRF decline in patients receiving bio-compatible PD solutions. Findings from the present investigation should help to guide future studies to validate the utility of urinary biomarkers as tools to predict RRF decline in PD patients.
Peritoneal Dialysis Prescription during the Third Trimester of Pregnancy
Authors: Batarse Rodolfo R. , Steiger Ralph M. , Guest Steven
Published: April 2014

Management of the pregnant patient on peritoneal dialysis (PD) is potentially challenging because uterine enlargement may negatively affect catheter function and prescribed dwell volumes. Additional reports of the management of these patients are needed. Here, we describe a near-full-term delivery in a 27-year-old woman who had been on dialysis for 7 years. Peritoneal dialysis was continued during the entire pregnancy. In the third trimester, a higher delivered automated PD volume allowed for adequate clearance and control of volume status. A decision to hospitalize the patient to limit activity and facilitate the delivery of increased dialysate is believed to have contributed to the successful outcome for mother and infant. Our report discusses the management of this patient and reviews published dialysis prescriptions used during the third trimester of pregnancy in patients treated with PD.
The First Peritonitis Episode Alters the Natural Course of Peritoneal Membrane Characteristics in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients
Authors: van Diepen Anouk T.N. , van Esch Sadie , Struijk Dirk G. , Krediet Raymond T.
Published: April 2014

Objective

Little or no evidence is available on the impact of the first peritonitis episode on peritoneal transport characteristics. The objective of this study was to investigate the importance of the very first peritonitis episode and distinguish its effect from the natural course by comparison of peritoneal transport before and after infection.

Participants

We analyzed prospectively collected data from 541 incident peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients, aged > 18 years, between 1990 and 2010. Standard Peritoneal Permeability Analyses (SPA) within the year before and within the year after (but not within 30 days) the first peritonitis were compared. In a control group without peritonitis, SPAs within the first and second year of PD were compared.

Main outcome measurements

SPA data included the mass transfer area coefficient of creatinine, glucose absorption and peritoneal clearances of β–2-microglobulin (b2m), albumin, IgG and α–2-macroglobulin (a2m). From these clearances, the restriction coefficient to macromolecules (RC) was calculated. Also, parameters of fluid transport were determined: transcapillary ultrafiltration rate (TCUFR), lymphatic absorption (ELAR), and free water transport. Crude and adjusted linear mixed models were used to compare the slopes of peritoneal transport parameters in the peritonitis group to the control group. Adjustments were made for age, sex and diabetes.

Results

Of 541 patients, 367 experienced a first peritonitis episode within a median time of 12 months after the start of PD. Of these, 92 peritonitis episodes were preceded and followed by a SPA within one year. Forty-five patients without peritonitis were included in the control group. Logistic reasons (peritonitis group: 48% vs control group: 83%) and switch to hemodialysis (peritonitis group: 22% vs control group: 3%) were the main causes of missing SPA data post-peritonitis and post-control. When comparing the slopes of peritoneal transport parameters in the peritonitis group and the control group, a first peritonitis episode was associated with faster small solute transport (glucose absorption, p = 0.03) and a concomitant lower TCUFR ( p = 0.03). In addition, a discreet decrease in macromolecular transport was seen in the peritonitis group: mean difference in post- and pre-peritonitis values: IgG: -8 μL/min ( p = 0.01), a2m: -4 μL/min ( p = 0.02), albumin: -10 μL/min (p = 0.04). Accordingly, the RC to macromolecules increased after peritonitis: 0.09, p = 0.04.

Conclusions

The very first peritonitis episode alters the natural course of peritoneal membrane characteristics. The most likely explanation might be that cured peritoneal infection later causes long-lasting alterations in peritoneal transport state.
Screening and Identification of a Novel Adefovir Dipivoxil Resistance Associated Mutation, RTN236V, of HBV from a Large Cohort of HBV-Infected Patients
Authors: Liu Yan , Liu Wenhui , Li Xiaodong , Xu Zhihui , Wang Xiao , Li Changxing , Chen Li , Xin Shaojie , Xu Dongping
Published: April 2014

Background

The study aimed to clarify whether rtN236V mutation of HBV derived from adefovir dipivoxil (ADV)-refractory patients was associated with drug resistance.

Methods

A total of 18,419 patients from Beijing 302 Hospital were investigated. HBV complete reverse transcriptase region of polymerase was screened by direct sequencing and verified by clonal sequencing if necessary. Replication-competent wild-type and mutant HBV genomic amplicons were constructed, transfected into HepG2 cells and cultured in the presence or absence of serially diluted nucleoside/nucleotide analogues. Intracellular HBV replicative intermediates were quantitated for calculating the 50% effective concentration of drug.

Results

rtN236V was detected in six ADV-refractory patients; signature ADV-resistant mutations rtA181V and rtN236T were detected in 1,311 patients. rtN236V mutants emerged predominantly with virological breakthrough in the clinical course of the six patients. Phenotypic analysis of the mutants from two patients was performed. rtN236V mutants from patient 1 and patient 2 exhibited 3.90-fold and 3.10-fold decreased susceptibility to ADV, respectively, compared to the wild-type virus; by contrast, rtN236T mutants from the patients had 4.50-fold and 4.75-fold decreased susceptibility, respectively. Both mutants had a relatively lower viral replication capacity compared to wild-type virus in the absence of antivirals and remained susceptible to lamivudine, entecavir and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate. In clinical practice, switching to entecavir rescue therapy suppressed HBV DNA to an undetectable level and normalized alanine aminotransferase level for both patients.

Conclusions

rtN236V was a novel infrequently occurring ADV-resistance-associated mutation. It conferred a moderate resistance to ADV with relatively lower natural replication capacity.
Les jeux vidéo multijoueurs, une opportunité en thérapie familiale
Authors: Berben Frédéric
Published: April 2014

L’auteur présente les résultats d’une recherche menée sur les jeux vidéo multijoueurs et découvre une typologie des Guildes de joueurs utilisable en thérapie. Après avoir rappelé les limites et risques d’un usage excessif, il montre les bénéfices de l’usage des MMORPG comme soutien au développement psychosocial de la personnalité. Il définit des outils thérapeutiques nouveaux : le PASS et les rituels de connexion.
SARM Regulates CCL5 Production in Macrophages by Promoting the Recruitment of Transcription Factors and RNA Polymerase II to the Ccl5 Promoter
Authors: Gürtler Claudia , Carty Michael , Kearney Jay , Schattgen Stefan A. , Ding Aihao , Fitzgerald Katherine A. , Bowie Andrew G.
Published: April 2014

The four Toll/IL-1R domain–containing adaptor proteins MyD88, MAL, TRIF, and TRAM are well established as essential mediators of TLR signaling and gene induction following microbial detection. In contrast, the function of the fifth, most evolutionarily conserved Toll/IL-1R adaptor, sterile α and HEAT/Armadillo motif-containing protein (SARM), has remained more elusive. Recent studies of Sarm−/− mice have highlighted a role for SARM in stress-induced neuronal cell death and immune responses in the CNS. However, whether SARM has a role in immune responses in peripheral myeloid immune cells is less clear. Thus, we characterized TLR-induced cytokine responses in SARM-deficient murine macrophages and discovered a requirement for SARM in CCL5 production, whereas gene induction of TNF, IL-1β, CCL2, and CXCL10 were SARM-independent. SARM was not required for TLR-induced activation of MAPKs or of transcription factors implicated in CCL5 induction, namely NF-κB and IFN regulatory factors, nor for Ccl5 mRNA stability or splicing. However, SARM was critical for the recruitment of transcription factors and of RNA polymerase II to the Ccl5 promoter. Strikingly, the requirement of SARM for CCL5 induction was not restricted to TLR pathways, as it was also apparent in cytosolic RNA and DNA responses. Thus, this study identifies a new role for SARM in CCL5 expression in macrophages.
CD8+ T Cells Define an Unexpected Role in Live-Attenuated Vaccine Protective Immunity against Chlamydia trachomatis Infection in Macaques
Authors: Olivares-Zavaleta Norma , Whitmire William M. , Kari Laszlo , Sturdevant Gail L. , Caldwell Harlan D.
Published: April 2014

Trachoma, caused by the obligate intracellular organism Chlamydia trachomatis, is the world’s leading cause of preventable blindness for which a vaccine is needed. We have previously shown that a plasmid-deficient live-attenuated trachoma vaccine delivered ocularly to macaques elicited either solid or partial protective immunity against a virulent ocular challenge. Solidly protected macaques shared the same MHC class II alleles implicating CD4+ T cells in superior protective immunity. Understandably, we sought to define T cell immune correlates in these animals to potentially improve vaccine efficacy. In this study, following a 2-y resting period, these macaques were boosted i.m. with the live-attenuated trachoma vaccine and their peripheral T cell anamnestic responses studied. Both solidly and partially protected macaques exhibited a CD4+ and CD8+ T cell anamnestic response following booster immunization. CD8+ but not CD4+ T cells from solidly protected macaques proliferated against soluble chlamydial Ag. We observed a more rapid T cell inflammatory cytokine response in tears of solidly protected animals following ocular rechallenge. Most notably, depletion of CD8+ T cells in solidly protected macaques completely abrogated protective immunity. Collectively, our findings support the conclusion that CD8+ T cells play an important but unexpected role in live-attenuated trachoma vaccine-mediated protective immunity.
Conducting a knowledge audit at a South African retail bank
Authors: Du Toit Adeline S.A.
Published: April 2014

Purpose: The purpose of the article was to present the methodology followed and findings of a knowledge audit at a South African retail bank.Design/methodology/approach: The article addresses the following research question: ‘What methodology should be followed when conducting a knowledge audit for a retail bank?’ The audit followed a mixed method research methodology. A questionnaire was emailed to a sample of employees to determine their knowledge requirements and 30 senior managers were interviewed in order to obtain a strategic perspective on the knowledge management requirements of the bank.Findings: The commitment to knowledge management was generally positive, but it varies across business units. The bank has not defined which knowledge areas are critical in order to improve its current or future performance. Specific knowledge gaps were identified and a knowledge map was compiled to indicate knowledge flow in the bank.Implications: The article gives a detailed description of the methodology when conducting the knowledge audit. The knowledge audit attempted to address the most critical knowledge requirements of a South African retail bank. The audit helped to make the knowledge in the bank visible and helped the bank to understand the value and contribution of knowledge to the organisational performance.
Diagnosis of a Nonpalpable Intraductal Papilloma without Radiological Abnormality by Nipple Discharge Smear Examination: A Case Report
Authors: Singh Anshul , Nigam Jitendra Singh , Misra Vatsala , Singh Pramela Antony
Published: April 2014

Nipple discharge is the third most common breast complaint after breast pain and breast mass, most commonly associated with endocrine alterations and/or medications, pregnancy, lactation, post lactation, fibrocystic disease, intraductal papilloma, duct ectasia, nipple adenoma, infection, chronic mastitis, subareolar abscess, and least frequently, breast carcinoma. Cytological examination of nipple discharge (ND) is a noninvasive method of diagnosing the underlying breast pathology. We report a 46 year old female, who presented with pain and blood-mixed ND from the right breast with an impalpable mass. Cytological examination of the discharge was done and diagnosis of papillary neoplasm with degeneration, metaplasia, and atypia was given, which was further confirmed on histology and positive IHC for HMWCK and p63. Final diagnosis was intraductal papilloma of the lactiferous duct with squamous metaplasia and infarction. Differentiating benign papilloma from a carcinoma is challenging to the cytopathologist and requires clinicopathological correlation and a good knowledge of cytology.
Evaluation of a Latex Agglutination Assay for the Identification of Burkholderia pseudomallei and Burkholderia mallei
Authors: Duval Brea D. , Elrod Mindy G. , Gee Jay E. , Chantratita Narisara , Tandhavanant Sarunporn , Limmathurotsakul Direk , Hoffmaster Alex R.
Published: April 2014

Cases of melioidosis and glanders are rare in the United States, but the etiologic agents of each disease (Burkholderia pseudomallei and Burkholderia mallei, respectively) are classified as Tier 1 select agents because of concerns about their potential use as bioterrorism agents. A rapid, highly sensitive, and portable assay for clinical laboratories and field use is required. Our laboratory has further evaluated a latex agglutination assay for its ability to identify B. pseudomallei and B. mallei isolates. This assay uses a monoclonal antibody that specifically recognizes the capsular polysaccharide produced by B. pseudomallei and B. mallei, but is absent in closely related Burkholderia species. A total of 110 B. pseudomallei and B. mallei were tested, and 36 closely related Burkholderia species. The latex agglutination assay was positive for 109 of 110 (99.1% sensitivity) B. pseudomallei and B. mallei isolates tested.
No Association of the p53 Codon 72 Polymorphism with Malaria in Ghanaian Primiparae and Rwandan Children
Authors: Gai Prabhanjan P. , Meese Stefanie , Bedu-Addo George , Gahutu Jean Bosco , Mockenhaupt Frank P.
Published: April 2014

The p53 protein is a key cell-signaling mediator integrating host responses to various types of stress. A common polymorphism of the encoding TP53 gene (codon 72, Pro > Arg, rs1042522) is associated with susceptibility to virus-related and other cancers. The p53 has also been shown to be central for successful Plasmodium liver stage infection. We examined whether the polymorphism is associated with P. falciparum infection in Ghanaian primiparae and Rwandan children. The allele frequency of TP53 codon 72 Arg was 0.30 among 314 Ghanaian primiparae and 0.31 among 545 Rwandan children, respectively, and it was not associated with infection prevalence or parasite density. This does not exclude p53 to be of pathophysiological relevance in malaria but argues against a major respective role of the TP53 codon 72 polymorphism.
Personality disorders in DSM classifications
Authors: Cierpiałkowska Lidia
Published: April 2014

In the article an overview of history of personality disorders’ diagnostic criteria has been presented since the publication of The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) in 1952 up to the fifth edition published in 2013. Describing the beginnings of the classification in psychology, theses of a German philosopher and psychologist William Stern (1871-1938), the founder of psychology of individual differences have been examined, as he defined ‘type’ as a dominating psychological or psychophysiological predisposition. Changes in typologies in subsequent editions of DSM were aimed at increased accuracy of description of differentiated personality disorders’ types. The goal of such descriptions was to increase the accuracy of clinical diagnosis of individuals displaying in various domains of life repeated perceptional and behavioral patterns. Since the first edition of DSM the categorical perspective has been emphasized, which in the present edition has been replaced by the dimensional – categorical model, defined as a hybrid one. This change has already led to various controversies and discussions, and therefore requires further research.
Perseverance and effectiveness of action: the effect of the fit between individual differences in willpower and the situational context
Authors: Kadzikowska-Wrzosek Romana
Published: April 2014

Background

Invoking the fit theory between a person and the environ­ment, the author of which is Lawrence A. Pervin, an attempt to explain the influence exerted by willpower differences and the situational context on perseverance and action effectiveness is made.

Participants and procedure

Two studies were conducted to test the effect of the situ­ational context and willpower differences on perseverance and action effectiveness. The first study involved

120 partici­pants (88 females and 32 males) between 17 and 19 years of age (M = 18.28; SD = 0.56). The researched group in the se­cond study included 230 participants (160 females and 70 males) between 20 and 53 years of age (M = 25.19; SD = 5.04). In the first study perseverance and action effectiveness were assessed on the basis of the performance level and the amount of time spent on the computer task. In the study 2 to evaluate the effectiveness used subjective progress assessment in achieving individual goals. In both of these studies, evoked a sense of autonomy vs. induced a sense of external control and the measurement of will-power differences was conducted on the basis of Kuhl’s ACS-90 questionnaire.

Results

The results of study 1 confirm that perseverance and action effectiveness in the case of people with low will­power level (state-oriented) is greater in conditions creating a sense of pressure/external control. In the case of people with high willpower (action-oriented), the method of influencing by the situational context is not of major significance to their perseverance and effectiveness. The results of study 2 show that intention implementation in conditions creating a sense of external control increases progress assessment in achieving goals declared by the state-oriented. However, no positive influence of in­tention implementation on the assessments of progress made by action-oriented individuals was confirmed.

Conclusions

The cumulative results of the two presented studies confirm that the perseverance and action effectiveness of people with low willpower (state-oriented) are determined by the specific kind of fit between personal predispositions and

the situational context. In turn, people with high willpower (action-oriented) act, to a larger extent, on the basis of internal regulatory mechanisms, somehow regardless of the way in which the situational context exerts an influence on them.
Sexual activity of pregnant Polish women and the assessment of the marital relation quality
Authors: Lutkiewicz Karolina , Bidzan Mariola
Published: April 2014

Background

The aim of the research was to present sexual functioning of pregnant women in terms of their assessment of the sexual life and marital relation. The study included 61 pregnant women (31 with high-risk pregnancy and 30 with a normal course of pregnancy), aged on average 28.5 years and pregnant on average for 27.5 weeks.

Participants and procedure

The study was based on the sociodemographic questionnaire The Female Sexual Function Questionnaire, SFQ28 (designed by Quirk et al., 2005), the Sexual Quality of Life Questionnaire – Female Version, SQoL-F (designed by Symonds et al., 2005), and the Dyadic Adjustment Scale, DAS (designed by Cieślak, 1989).

Results

The obtained results reveal changes in sexual functioning during pregnancy, mostly in terms of desire and excitement. The groups differed significantly in terms of sexual activity. Women with pathological pregnancy obtained lower results on the scales of desire, arousal, orgasm and satisfaction with sexual relationship. With every subsequent pregnancy week, both groups obtained lower results on the scales of arousal, orgasm and satisfaction with sexual activity. Neither pregnancy nor its length was related to the assessment of satisfaction with marital relation.

Conclusions

The conducted data analysis indicates that the subjective assessment of sexual life is related to the assessment of marital relation on the scale of emotional expression and relation coherence. No relation of sexual activity and sexual life with the assessment of the quality of marital relation was proved. However, the assessment of sexual life is related significantly to the assessment of the quality of marital relation.
Four statuses of adulthood: adult roles, psychosocial maturity and identity formation in emerging adulthood
Authors: Piotrowski Konrad , Brzezińska Anna Izabela , Pietrzak Joanna
Published: April 2014

Background
 The main aim of the study was to identify differences pertaining to sense of adulthood, exploration, and commitment dimensions between groups of subjects differing in respect of the number of fulfilled adulthood roles and the level of psychosocial maturity.

 Participants and procedure
 Participants were 358 individuals aged 18 to 30. Four groups of individuals with different adulthood statuses were designated: (1) immature non-adults (low psychosocial maturity, a small number of adult roles), (2) immature adults (low psychosocial maturity, a large number of adult roles), (3) mature non-adults (high psychosocial maturity, a small number of adult roles), (4) mature adults (high psychosocial maturity, a large number of adult roles).

 Results
 In the two groups characterized by a high level of psychosocial maturity, sense of adulthood proved to be higher than in the other two groups. Immature adults manifested more visible signs of identity crisis than mature adults, and the pattern of the results in the former group was similar to that observed in the group of immature non-adults and mature non-adults.

 Conclusions
 The studies offer an insight into the relationship between identity of individuals entering adulthood, and social and personal determinants of its formation. The simultaneous analysis of selected psychological and contextual conditionings of identity formation enabled us to obtain valuable results that allow us to formulate the conclusion that both of the spheres mentioned above are important for identity development, and that the most favorable option for identity formation in different areas of young adults’ functioning is the joint development of both psychosocial maturity and adult roles.
Lupus and pregnancy in the 21st century
Authors: Sciascia Savino , Khamashta Munther
Published: April 2014

Wyniki ciąż u kobiet z toczniem rumieniowatym układowym (TRU) wyraźnie się poprawiły, a odsetek powodzeń zwiększył się w ostatnich latach o ponad 85%. Ciąża u pacjentek z TRU nadal jednak stanowi stan wysokiego ryzyka. Poradnictwo przedciążowe, ocena ryzyka, podejście wielodyscyplinarne i wczesne rozpoznanie

objawów wskazujących na powikłania TRU (internistyczne i/lub położnicze) są podstawą skutecznych rozwiązań zarówno dla matki, jak i płodu.
Fertility, pregnancy planning, and pharmacotherapy during the pregnancy, postpartum and breastfeeding period in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory arthropathies
Authors: Olesińska Marzena , Ostanek Lidia , Majdan Maria , Kosowicz Mariola , Teliga-Czajkowska Justyna , Wiland Piotr
Published: April 2014

Szczyt zachorowań w przypadku większości zapalnych chorób stawów (ZChS) przypada na 2.–4. dekadę życia, a więc dotyczy osób w wieku reprodukcyjnym. Wyniki badań populacyjnych wskazują, że choroby te mogą wywierać wpływ zarówno na płodność pacjentów, planowanie rodziny, przebieg ciąży, jak i dalszy rozwój dziecka. Wykazano także, że kobiety chore na ZChS w porównaniu ze zdrowymi kobietami rzadziej i później decydują się na pierwsze i następne dziecko, a odstęp między kolejnymi ciążami jest dłuższy. Celem farmakoterapii u kobiety z ZChS, która planuje ciążę, jest skuteczne zahamowanie aktywności zapalnej oraz utrzymanie remisji lub małej aktywności choroby w czasie ciąży i po jej zakończeniu. Odpowiednie do stosowania w okresie prekoncepcji i ciąży są następujące leki modyfikujące przebieg choroby: chlorochina, hydroksychlorochina, sulfasalazyna, azatiopryna, cyklosporyna A, glikokortykosteroidy oraz niesteroidowe leki przeciwzapalne. Spośród syntetycznych leków modyfikujących przebieg choroby nie należy stosować: metotreksatu, leflunomidu, cyklofosfamidu oraz mykofenolanu mofetylu, a z leków biologicznych: abataceptu, tocilizumabu i rytuksymabu.
Selected principles of proper education of women with rheumatic diseases in respect of pregnancy planning
Authors: Kosowicz Mariola , Ostanek Lidia , Majdan Maria , Olesińska Marzena , Teliga-Czajkowska Justyna , Wiland Piotr
Published: April 2014

Jednym z ważniejszych problemów wynikających ze specyfiki choroby przewlekłej, jej leczenia i związanych z nią działań niepożądanych jest trwała lub ograniczona zdolność do inicjowania i realizowania potrzeb właściwych dla danej fazy rozwojowej osoby chorej. Dla kobiet w wieku rozrodczym jest to m.in. planowanie rodziny i posiadanie dzieci. Problem ciąży u kobiet z rozpoznaniem choroby reumatycznej jest związany nie tylko z uwarunkowaniami natury fizycznej, lecz także psychologicznej. Duża część kobiet cierpiących na choroby reumatyczne nie podejmuje prób zajścia w ciążę. Powodem jest m.in. brak wiedzy na temat możliwości realizacji planów związanych z macierzyństwem oraz wpływ społecznych stereotypów dotyczących ograniczeń wynikających z niepełnosprawności. Dlatego ważnym elementem oddziaływania na postawę pacjentek jest rzetelna edukacja, która dostarcza wsparcia informacyjnego i instrumentalnego polegającego na praktycznym instruktażu dotyczącym konkretnych sposobów postępowania w danej sytuacji.
Methods of evaluation of the quality of life in rheumatic diseases
Authors: Jankowska-Polańska Beata , Polański Jacek
Published: April 2014

Przez chorego pojęcie zdrowia jest utożsamiane ze stanem czynnościowym i jakością życia w chorobie. Uzyskiwane wyniki wskazują, że ocena dokonana przez pacjenta często różni się od oceny lekarza. W reumatologii celem terapii jest osiągnięcie remisji lub niskiej aktywności choroby, lecz nie zawsze jest to możliwe. Ocena własnego zdrowia pozwala na aktywne włączenie chorego w realizację procesów terapeutycznych i jest praktycznym czynnikiem, który może się przyczynić do podniesienia jakości opieki sprawowanej nad chorym. Uzyskane wyniki mogą służyć jako wskazówki do planowania profesjonalnej opieki pielęgniarskiej nad pacjentami. Jednoczesna ocena zdrowia i jakości życia możliwa jest do przeprowadzenia wyłącznie przy wykorzystaniu standaryzowanych narzędzi badawczych.
Size-dependent particle activation properties in fog during the ParisFog 2012/13 field campaign
Authors: Hammer E. , Gysel M. , Roberts G. C. , Elias T. , Hofer J. , Hoyle C. R. , Bukowiecki N. , Dupont J.-C. , Burnet F. , Baltensperger U. , Weingartner E.
Published: April 2014

Abstract. Fog causes a variety of hazards in road traffic, maritime navigation, as well as in air traffic and railway traffic. There is a great demand, e.g. from airports, for more reliable fog forecasts to prevent fog related accidents. Improved fog forecasts require a better understanding of the numerous complex mechanisms during the fog life cycle. During winter 2012/13 a field campaign called ParisFog aiming at fog research took place at SIRTA (Instrumented Site for Atmospheric Remote Sensing Research). SIRTA is located about 20 km southwest of the Paris city centre, France in a semi-urban environment. In situ activation properties of the prevailing fog were investigated by measuring: (1) total and interstitial (non-activated) dry particle number size distributions behind two different inlet systems; (2) interstitial hydrated aerosol and fog droplet size distributions at ambient conditions; (3) cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) number concentration at different supersaturations (SS) with a CCN counter. The aerosol particles were characterized regarding their hygroscopic properties, fog droplet activation behavior and contribution to light scattering for 17 developed fog events. Low particle hygroscopicity with an overall median of hygroscopicity parameter, κ, of 0.14 was found, likely caused by substantial influence from local traffic and wood burning emissions. Measurements of the aerosol size distribution at ambient RH revealed that the critical wet diameter, above which the hydrated aerosols activate to fog droplets, is rather large with a median value of 2.4 μm and is highly variable (ranging from 1 to 5 μm) between the different fog events. Thus, the number of activated fog droplets was very small and the non-activated hydrated particles were found to contribute siginificantly to the observed light scattering and thus to the reduction in visibility. Combining all experimental data, the effective peak supersaturation, SSpeak, a measure of the peak supersaturation during the fog formation, was determined. The median SSpeak value was estimated to be in the range from 0.031 to 0.046% (upper and lower limit estimations), which is in good agreement with previous experimental and modeling studies of fog.
A wide field-of-view imaging DOAS instrument for continuous trace gas mapping from aircraft
Authors: Schönhardt A. , Altube P. , Gerilowski K. , Krautwurst S. , Hartmann J. , Meier A. C. , Richter A. , Burrows J. P.
Published: April 2014

Abstract. For the purpose of trace gas measurements and pollution mapping, the Airborne imaging DOAS instrument for Measurements of Atmospheric Pollution (AirMAP) has been developed, characterised and successfully operated from aircraft. From the observations with the AirMAP instrument nitrogen dioxide (NO2) columns were retrieved. A major benefit of the pushbroom imaging instrument is the spatially continuous, gap-free measurement sequence independent of flight altitude, a valuable characteristic for mapping purposes. This is made possible by the use of a frame-transfer detector. With a wide-angle entrance objective, a broad field-of-view across track of around 48° is achieved, leading to a swath width of about the same size as the flight altitude. The use of fibre coupled light intake optics with sorted light fibres allows flexible positioning within the aircraft and retains the very good imaging capabilities. The measurements yield ground spatial resolutions below 100 m. From a maximum of 35 individual viewing directions (lines of sight, LOS) represented by 35 single fibres, the number of viewing directions is adapted to each situation by averaging according to signal-to-noise or spatial resolution requirements. Exploitation of all the viewing directions yields observations at 30 m spatial resolution, making the instrument a suitable tool for mapping trace gas point sources and small scale variability. For accurate spatial mapping the position and aircraft attitude are taken into account using the Attitude and Heading Reference System of the aircraft. A first demonstration mission using AirMAP was undertaken. In June 2011, AirMAP has been operated on the AWI Polar-5 aircraft in the framework of the AIRMETH2011 campaign. During a flight above a medium sized coal-fired power plant in North-West Germany, AirMAP clearly detects the emission plume downwind from the exhaust stack, with NO2 vertical columns around 2 × 1016 molecules cm−2 in the plume center. The emission estimates are consistent with reports in the pollutant transfer register. Strong spatial gradients and variability in NO2 amounts across and along flight direction are observed, and small-scale enhancements of NO2 above a motorway are detected. The present study reports on the experimental setup and characteristics of AirMAP, and the first measurements at high spatial resolution and wide spatial coverage are presented which meet the requirements for NO2 mapping to observe and account for the intrinsic variability of tropospheric NO2.
Recent evolution of China's virtual water trade: analysis of selected crops and considerations for policy
Authors: Shi J. , Liu J. , Pinter L.
Published: April 2014

Abstract. China has dramatically increased its virtual water import over recent years. Many studies have focused on the quantity of traded virtual water, but very few go into analysing geographic distribution and the properties of China's virtual water trade network. This paper provides a calculation and analysis of the crop-related virtual water trade network of China based on 27 major primary crops between 1986 and 2009. The results show that China is a net importer of virtual water from water-abundant areas of North America and South America, and a net virtual water exporter to water-stressed areas of Asia, Africa, and Europe. Virtual water import is far larger than virtual water export, and in both import and export a small number of trade partners control the supply chain. Grain crops are the major contributors to virtual water trade, and among grain crops, soybeans, mostly imported from the US, Brazil and Argentina, are the most significant. In order to mitigate water scarcity and secure the food supply, virtual water should actively be incorporated into national water management strategies. And the sources of virtual water import need to be further diversified to reduce supply chain risks and increase resilience.