bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evidence for alternative migratory behaviours in the northern Gulf of St Lawrence population of Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua L.)
Authors: Le Bris Arnault , Fréchet Alain , Galbraith Peter S. , Wroblewski Joseph S.
Published: May 2013

Le Bris, A., Fréchet, A., Galbraith, P. S., and Wroblewski, J. S. 2013. Evidence for alternative migratory behaviours in the northern Gulf of St Lawrence population of Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua L.). – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 70: 793–804. Inter-individual variation in migration propensity affects population dynamics and connectivity. The diversity of migratory behaviours of Atlantic cod (fork length >40 cm) in the northern Gulf of St Lawrence was studied using data-storage tags that record depth and temperature. Movement patterns of Atlantic cod equipped with data-storage tags were reconstructed using a geolocation model based on daily maximum depth and bottom temperature. Reconstructed migration routes revealed the previously undocumented coexistence of resident and migratory individuals in the population. Migratory cod overwintered in relatively deep (300–500 m) and warm (5°C) waters, while residents displayed a prolonged period of immobility in shallow (<100 m) and near-freezing (–1.5°C) coastal waters of western Newfoundland. In the spring, migratory cod displayed extensive diel vertical migration suggestive of spawning behaviour. The presence of alternative migratory behaviours should be considered in the spatiotemporal management of the collapsed population.
Relationships Between the Pathogen Olpidium virulentus and Viruses Associated with Lettuce Big-Vein Disease
Authors: Maccarone L. D.
Published: May 2013

Lettuce big-vein disease (LBVD) is a widespread problem in commercial lettuce producing areas. It was first reported in 1934 in California. In the United States in 2009, it was estimated that 100% of all commercial lettuce production was concentrated in California (in early spring) and Arizona (in winter). The disease also occurs worldwide, particularly in regions in Australia, Europe, Brazil, and New Zealand, and at high altitudes in subtropical regions. LBVD often results in decreased yield from infected plants, mainly in winter growing seasons. Symptoms of this disease are the obvious chlorophyll clearing, which causes the big-vein leaf symptoms from which the disease gets its name, along with crinkled leaves and a reduced head size, which is often oblong in shape. LBVD is associated with a complex of two viruses, Lettuce big-vein associated virus (LBVaV) and Mirafiori lettuce big-vein virus (MLBVV). Motile zoospores of Olpidium virulentus vector LBVaV and MLBVV to the roots of healthy plants and, in the absence of susceptible hosts, its resting spores retain the ability to harbor these viruses for decades in infested soil and in dry roots for 39 months. The ability of viruliferous resting spores to persist in production areas for such extended periods of time, and also the motility of viruliferous zoospores, pose significant difficulties for the management and/or control of the disease.
The MossPhyscomitrella patensReproductive Organ Development Is Highly Organized, Affected by the TwoSHI/STYGenes and by the Level of Active Auxin in theSHI/STYExpression Domain
Authors: Landberg Katarina , Pederson Eric R.A. , Viaene Tom , Bozorg Behruz , Friml Jiří , Jönsson Henrik , Thelander Mattias , Sundberg Eva
Published: May 2013

In order to establish a reference for analysis of the function of auxin and the auxin biosynthesis regulators SHORT INTERNODE/STYLISH (SHI/STY) during Physcomitrella patens reproductive development, we have described male (antheridial) and female (archegonial) development in detail, including temporal and positional information of organ initiation. This has allowed us to define discrete stages of organ morphogenesis and to show that reproductive organ development in P. patens is highly organized and that organ phyllotaxis differs between vegetative and reproductive development. Using the PpSHI1 and PpSHI2 reporter and knockout lines, the auxin reporters GmGH3pro:GUS and PpPINApro:GFP-GUS, and the auxin-conjugating transgene PpSHI2pro:IAAL, we could show that the PpSHI genes, and by inference also auxin, play important roles for reproductive organ development in moss. The PpSHI genes are required for the apical opening of the reproductive organs, the final differentiation of the egg cell, and the progression of canal cells into a cell death program. The apical cells of the archegonium, the canal cells, and the egg cell are also sites of auxin responsiveness and are affected by reduced levels of active auxin, suggesting that auxin mediates PpSHI function in the reproductive organs.
Advances in small-angle X-ray scattering for the study of supported catalysts
Authors: Larichev Y. V. , Tuzikov F. V.
Published: May 2013

Ru particle sizes in supported ruthenium catalysts have been studied by small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). It has been proposed to use new masking liquids with a relatively low X-ray radiation absorption. Using these liquids it was possible to achieve practically quantitative agreement between SAXS and transmission electron microscopy data. The SAXS technique employing such masking liquids can be used as a quick analytical method for determining the particle size distributions of supported metals. Fluorocarbon liquids can eliminate the scattering signal from any support with a density of 2.5 g cm−3or less. This procedure can be very useful for selective study of separate components in complex samples consisting of carbon materials, silica materials, polymers, some hydroxides, claysetc.
A new technique to grow incongruent melting Ga:YIG crystals: the edge-defined film-fed growth method
Authors: Zhuang Naifeng , Chen Wenbing , Shi Lijun , Nie Jianbiao , Hu Xiaolin , Zhao Bin , Lin Shukun , Chen Jianzhong
Published: May 2013

Crystalline yttrium iron garnet (YIG) is an important magneto-optical material. However, this crystal is an incongruent melting compound. As is well known, compared to the crystal growth of a congruent melting compound by using the Czochralski method, the crystal growth of an incongruent melting compound is more difficult. In this work, a system for growing Ga:YIG single crystals by the edge-defined film-fed growth (EFG) method was designed and constructed, and the mechanism of crystal growth was also preliminarily studied. The Ga3+dopant concentration, the Curie temperature and the transmission spectra of as-grown crystals were investigated to evaluate their potential application in magneto-optical devices. The success of growing Ga:YIG crystals by the EFG method provides a new way to grow other incongruent melting compounds.
New insight into pressure-induced phase transitions of amorphous silicon: the role of impurities
Authors: Haberl Bianca , Guthrie Malcolm , Sprouster David J. , Williams Jim S. , Bradby Jodie E.
Published: May 2013

The pressure-induced phase transformations of a form of amorphous silicon (a-Si) with well characterized impurity levels and structure are examined at pressures up to 40 GPa usingin situsynchrotron X-ray radiation. At ∼12 GPa crystallization commences, but it is not completed until ∼16 GPa. At higher pressures, not all the crystalline phases observed for crystalline silicon (c-Si) appear. On pressure release, none of the metastable crystalline phases observed for c-Si nucleate. Instead an amorphous phase is re-formed. This is in contrast to all previous diamond-anvil studies on a-Si. If full pressure-induced crystallization occurred, the material remained crystalline on unloading. The formation of a-Si upon unloading was only observed when a high-density amorphous phase was reported on loading. The fully characterized nature of the a-Si used in this current study allows for the interpretation of this significant diversity in terms of impurity content of the a-Si used. Namely, this suggests that `ideal' (pure, voidless, structurally relaxed) a-Si will follow the same transition pathway as observed for c-Si, while crystallization of a-Si forms with a high impurity content is retarded or even inhibited. The a-Si used here straddles both regimes and thus, although full crystallization occurs, the more complex crystalline structures fail to nucleate.
Hypopigmentation in Hermansky–Pudlak syndrome
Authors: Wei Ai‐Hua , He Xin , Li Wei
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT

Hermansky–Pudlak syndrome (HPS) is characterized by oculocutaneous albinism, bleeding tendency, and ceroid deposition which often leads to death in midlife. Currently, nine genes have been identified as causative for HPS in humans. Hypopigmentation is the prominent feature of HPS, attributable to the disrupted biogenesis of melanosome, a member of the lysosome‐related organelle (LRO) family. Current understanding of the cargo transporting mechanisms into the melanosomes expands our knowledge of the pathogenesis of hypopigmentation in HPS patients.
A recombinant carboxy‐terminal domain of alpha‐toxin protects mice against Clostridium perfringens
Authors: Nagahama Masahiro , Oda Masataka , Kobayashi Keiko , Ochi Sadayuki , Takagishi Teruhisa , Shibutani Masahiro , Sakurai Jun
Published: May 2013

Clostridium perfringens alpha‐toxin (CP, 370 residues) is one of the main agents involved in the development of gas gangrene. In this study, the immunogenicity and protective efficacy of the C‐terminal domain (CP251‐370) of the toxin and phospholipase C (PLC; CB, 372 residues) of Clostridum bifermentans isolated from cases of clostridium necrosis were examined. The recombinant proteins were expressed as glutathione S‐transferase (GST) fusion proteins. Antibodies that cross‐reacted with alpha‐toxin were produced after immunization with recombinant proteins including GST‐CP251‐370, GST‐CP281‐370, GST‐CP311‐370, CB1‐372 and GST‐CB251‐372. Anti‐GST‐CP251‐370, anti‐GST‐CP281‐370 and anti‐GST‐CP311‐370 sera neutralized both the PLC and hemolytic activities of alpha‐toxin, whereas anti‐CB1‐372 and anti‐GST‐CB251‐372 weakly neutralized these activities. Immunization with GST‐CP251‐370 and GST‐CP281‐370 provided protection against the lethal effects of the toxin and C. perfringens type A NCTC8237. Partial protection from the toxin and C. perfringens was elicited by immunization with GST‐CP311‐370 and CB1‐372. GST‐CP251‐370 and GST‐CP281‐370 are promising candidates for vaccines for clostridial‐induced gas gangrene.
Horizontal gene transfer of a genetic island encoding a type III secretion system distributed in Vibrio cholerae
Authors: Morita Masatomo , Yamamoto Shouji , Hiyoshi Hirotaka , Kodama Toshio , Okura Masatoshi , Arakawa Eiji , Alam Munirul , Ohnishi Makoto , Izumiya Hidemasa , Watanabe Haruo
Published: May 2013

Twelve Vibrio cholerae isolates with genes for a type III secretion system (T3SS) were detected among 110 environmental and 14 clinical isolates. T3SS‐related genes were distributed among the various serogroups and pulsed‐field gel electrophoresis of NotI‐digested genomes showed genetic diversity in these strains. However, the restriction fragment length polymorphism profiles of the T3SS‐related genes had similar patterns. Additionally, naturally competent T3SS‐negative V. cholerae incorporated the ca. 47 kb gene cluster of T3SS, which had been integrated into a site on the chromosome by recombination. Therefore, it is suggested that horizontal gene transfer of T3SS‐related genes occurs among V. cholerae in natural ecosystems.
Molecular epidemiology of Coxsackievirus A16 strains isolated from children in Yamagata, Japan between 1988 and 2011
Authors: Mizuta Katsumi , Abiko Chieko , Aoki Yoko , Ikeda Tatsuya , Matsuzaki Yoko , Hongo Seiji , Itagaki Tsutomu , Katsushima Noriko , Ohmi Akira , Nishimura Hidekazu , Ahiko Tadayuki
Published: May 2013

To clarify the longitudinal molecular epidemiology of coxsackievirus A16, phylogenetic analysis based on the VP1 region of 220 isolates in Yamagata, Japan was performed. The resultant phylogenetic tree indicates that the Yamagata isolates and reference strains can be readily genotyped into three genogroups, and 0, 12 and 208 isolates belonged to the first, second, and third genogroups, respectively. The first genogroup includes only the prototype strain, the second strains that had disappeared by the end of the 20th century and the third comprises those that have been circulating since then in local communities, such as Yamagata.
Rapid detection of human cytomegalovirus UL97 and UL54 mutations for antiviral resistance in clinical specimens
Authors: Daikoku Tohru , Saito Kazuhide , Aihara Takamitsu , Ikeda Masahiro , Takahashi Yoshiyuki , Hosoi Hiroki , Nishida Tetsuya , Takemoto Masaya , Shiraki Kimiyasu
Published: May 2013

Drug‐resistant cytomegalovirus appears during prolonged anti‐cytomegalovirus therapy. Assays for human cytomegalovirus viral protein kinase (UL97) and viral DNA polymerase (UL54) gene mutations conferring drug resistance have been used rather than susceptibility assays to assess clinical specimens. In this study a sensitive system for genotype assay of UL97 and UL54 in clinical specimens with as few as six copies/µg of DNA was developed.
Comparative evaluation of agar dilution and broth microdilution methods for antibiotic susceptibility testing of Helicobacter cinaedi
Authors: Tomida Junko , Oumi Ayako , Okamoto Tatsuya , Morita Yuji , Okayama Akihiko , Misawa Naoaki , Hayashi Tetsuya , Akaike Takaaki , Kawamura Yoshiaki
Published: May 2013

The aim of this study was to establish a broth microdilution method for antimicrobial susceptibility testing of Helicobacter cinaedi and to assess the prevalence and mechanisms of fluoroquinolone resistance in Japanese clinical isolates. A broth microdilution method using modified Levinthal broth was developed and compared with the agar dilution method for testing susceptibility to ampicillin, gentamicin, tetracycline and ciprofloxacin. The minimum inhibitory concentrations obtained by these two methods were almost the same for all the antibiotics tested, demonstrating the broth microdilution method to be a suitable and reliable technique for antimicrobial susceptibility testing. A broth microdilution method for antimicrobial susceptibility test for H. cinaedi was established. This method is expected to help improve treatment.
Expression and immunological characterization of cardamom mosaic virus coat protein displaying HIV gp41 epitopes
Authors: Damodharan Subha , Gujar Ravindra , Pattabiraman Sathyamurthy , Nesakumar Manohar , Hanna Luke Elizabeth , Vadakkuppattu Ramanathan D , Usha Ramakrishnan
Published: May 2013

The coat protein of cardamom mosaic virus (CdMV), a member of the genus Macluravirus, assembles into virus‐like particles when expressed in an Escherichia coli expression system. The N and C‐termini of the coat protein were engineered with the Kennedy peptide and the 2F5 and 4E10 epitopes of gp41 of HIV. The chimeric proteins reacted with sera from HIV positive persons and also stimulated secretion of cytokines by peripheral blood mononuclear cells from these persons. Thus, a system based on the coat protein of CdMV can be used to display HIV‐1 antigens.
Cephalosporin resistant Escherichia coli from cancer patients in Cairo, Egypt
Authors: Abdelaziz Mohammed O. , Bonura Celestino , Aleo Aurora , Fasciana Teresa , Calà Cinzia , Mammina Caterina
Published: May 2013

Cephalosporin‐resistant Escherichia coli has been increasingly reported worldwide. In this study, 32 cephalosporin resistant E. coli isolates identified from cancer patients in Cairo, Egypt in 2009–2010 were analyzed. Twenty‐three were of phylogenetic group D, seven A and one each B1 and B2. By rep‐PCR 15 phylogroup D isolates were grouped in four clusters, one with sequence type (ST) 405 and three ST68. Seventeen isolates showed single patterns. blaCTX‐M‐15 and aac(6')‐Ib‐cr were the most common resistance determinants. blaOXA‐48 and blaVIM were also detected. Multidrug resistant E. coli seriously affects healthcare, especially in immunocompromised hosts, such as cancer patients.
Distribution of Streptococcus troglodytae and Streptococcus dentirousetti in chimpanzee oral cavities
Authors: Miyanohara Mayu , Imai Susumu , Okamoto Masaaki , Saito Wataru , Nomura Yoshiaki , Momoi Yasuko , Tomonaga Masaki , Hanada Nobuhiro
Published: May 2013

The aim of this study was to analyze the distribution and phenotypic properties of the indigenous streptococci in chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes) oral cavities. Eleven chimpanzees (aged from 9 to 44 years, mean ± SD, 26.9 ± 12.6 years) in the Primate Research Institute of Kyoto University were enrolled in this research and brushing bacterial samples collected from them. Streptococci were isolated from the oral cavities of all chimpanzees. The isolates (n = 46) were identified as thirteen species by 16S rRNA genes analysis. The predominant species was Streptococcus sanguinis of mitis streptococci from five chimpanzees (45%). Mutans streptococci were isolated from six chimpanzees (55%). The predominant species in the mutans streptococci were Streptococcus troglodytae from four chimpanzees (36%), this species having been proposed as a novel species by us, and Streptococcus dentirousetti from three chimpanzees (27%). Streptococcus mutans was isolated from one chimpanzee (9%). However, Streptococcus sobrinus, Streptococcus macacae and Streptococcus downei, which are indigenous to human and monkey (Macaca fasciclaris) oral habitats, were not isolated. Of the mutans streptococci, S. troglodytae, S. dentirousetti, and S. mutans possessed strong adherence activity to glass surface.
Agr function is upregulated by photodynamic therapy for Staphylococcus aureus and is related to resistance to photodynamic therapy
Authors: Park Hee Jeong , Moon Yeon‐Hee , Yoon Hyo‐Eun , Park Yoon Mee , Yoon Jung‐Hoon , Bang Iel Soo
Published: May 2013

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has been considered a feasible alternative for antimicrobial therapy of multidrug‐resistant pathogens. However, bacterial response mechanisms against PDT‐generated photo‐oxidative stress remain largely unknown. Herein, it is shown that the accessory gene regulator Agr is involved in Staphylococcus aureus response to photo‐oxidative stress generated by laser‐induced PDT with the photosensitizer chlorin e6. Transcriptional profiling revealed that sublethal PDT induces a general stress response and also activates Agr‐dependent gene regulation. Moreover, mutant S. aureus lacking Agr function showed hypersusceptibility to two independent PDT conditions with higher energy densities, demonstrating Agr‐dependent S. aureus resistance against PDT.
Novel approach to thyroid skin incision with tunnel dissection technique
Authors: Kayaoglu Huseyin Ayhan , Yenidogan Erdinc , Okan Ismail , Ozkan Namik
Published: May 2013

Aim

Superior and inferior flaps beneath the platysmal layer have been used to open the midline raphe in thyroidectomy. Sometimes this flap dissection causes some serious complications, such as seroma and subcutaneous haematoma formation. Here, we described a new approach for flapless thyroidectomy.

Patients and Methods

A total of 289 patients who underwent thyroidectomy were eligible for the study. Group 1 was the control group. In group 2, a 5‐mm wide tunnel from the thyroid cartilage superiorly to the sternal notch was inferiorly used to open the midline raphe. Patient demographics and complications were recorded and compared.

Results

Specimen volumes, skin incision lengths and operation times of the groups were 69.83 ± 37.72 mL and 71.17 ± 48.28 mL, 3.80 ± 0.89 cm and 3.96 ± 0.76 cm and 115.21 ± 26.73 min and 117.32 ± 27.25 min, respectively (P = 0.785, P = 0.196 and 0.875, respectively). Permanent recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy and permanent or temporary hypocalcaemia were similar (P = 0.137, P = 0.459 and P = 0.333). Seroma and subcutaneous haematoma were significantly higher in group 1 (P = 0.024).

Conclusion

This less traumatic approach is a technically feasible and an alternative to conventional flap dissection with any limitations.
Meta‐analysis of video‐assisted thyroidectomy versus conventional thyroidectomy
Authors: Zhang Shengchu , Zheng Yihu , Wu Binbin , Zhou Feng , Zhang Qiyu
Published: May 2013

Aim

The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that video‐assisted thyroidectomy (VAT) affords comparable safety and efficacy compared to open conventional thyroidectomy (CT).

Patients and Methods

Randomized, controlled trials comparing VAT with CT were ascertained by a methodical search using the MEDLINE, Pubmed, Ovid, Embase and Cochrane Library electronic databases. Primary meta‐analysis outcomes were operative time, intraoperative blood loss and complications, including transient recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy (TRP), transient hypoparathyroidism (TH), permanent recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy (PRP), permanent hypoparathyroidism (PH) and wound infection (WI). The secondary outcomes were postoperative pain within 12, 24 and 48 h after the operation, length of hospital stay and cosmetic result.

Results

Operative time was significantly less with CT than with VAT, while VAT was associated with better cosmetic result and less pain at 24 h, postoperatively. Blood loss, TRP, TH, PRP, PH, WI and postoperative pain at 48 h did not reach significance between procedures. Comparisons between two procedures concerning postoperative pain within 12 h and length of hospital stay depicted statistically‐significant differences in favour of VAT, but only in the fixed‐effects model.

Conclusions

VAT is a safe procedure that produces outcomes; in view of short‐term adverse events, similar to CT, it needs a longer operative time and produces better cosmetic results and less postoperative pain in the early phase.
Hidden problem in an elderly woman with repeated urinary tract infection: Giant megaureters resulting from a ‘yo‐yo’ phenomenon
Authors: Huang Po‐Wei , Cha Tai‐Lung , Chang Huang‐Ching , Sun Guang‐Huan , Yu Dah‐Shyong , Meng En
Published: May 2013

An incomplete‐type ureteral duplication (IUD) is a congenital anomaly, and is usually found incidentally on imaging findings in children. Clinically, a marked megaureter is caused by a long‐term ‘yo‐yo’ phenomenon in IUD, and is a rare, initial suspicion in elderly people, especially when manifested through repeated urinary tract infections (UTI). We report on a 67‐year‐old woman who suffered from repeated UTI and left flank pain. IUD with marked megaureters resulting from the ‘yo‐yo’ phenomenon was diagnosed by a series of imaging studies. The symptoms were successfully relieved by tapering and reimplantation of the dilated ureters. Finally, we emphasize a paradoxical phenomenon in the interpretation of the effective renal plasma flow study, even if this means correcting for the pitfalls of the examination itself.
Prevalence and Clinical Importance of Alternative Causes of Symptoms Using a Renal Colic Computed Tomography Protocol in Patients With Flank or Back Pain and Absence of Pyuria
Authors: Moore Chris L. , Daniels Brock , Singh Dinesh , Luty Seth , Molinaro Annette
Published: May 2013

Objectives

The study was undertaken to determine the prevalence and clinical importance of alternative causes of symptoms discovered in patients undergoing flank pain protocol (FPP) computed tomography (CT) scans in patients with classic symptoms of kidney stone (flank pain, back pain, or both) without evidence of urine infection.

Methods

This was a retrospective observational analysis of all adult patients undergoing FPP CT scans at two emergency departments (EDs) between April 2005 and November 2010. All CTs (N = 5,383) were reviewed and categorized as “no cause of symptoms seen on CT,” “ureteral stone as cause of symptoms,” or “non–kidney stone cause of symptoms.” Non–kidney stone scans were further categorized as “acutely important,” “follow‐up recommended,” or “unimportant cause,” based on a priori diagnostic classifications. All nonstone causes of pain and a random subset of subjects (n = 1,843; 34%) underwent full record review blinded to CT categorization to determine demographics, whether flank and/or back pain was present, and whether there was objective evidence of pyuria.

Results

Of all FPP CT scans during the study period, a ureteral stone was found to cause symptoms in 47.7% of CTs, with no cause of symptoms found in 43.3% of CTs. A non–kidney stone diagnosis was found in 9.0% of all CTs, with 6.1% being categorized as “acutely important,” 2.2% as “follow‐up recommended,” and 0.65% with symptoms from an “unimportant cause.” In the randomly selected subset undergoing full record review, categorizations were similar, with 49.0% of CTs showing kidney stone as cause of pain and 9.0% a non–kidney stone cause (5.9% “acutely important”). When subjects with evidence of urine infection or without flank or back pain were excluded, ureteral stone was identified as the cause of pain in 54.9% of CTs, while non–kidney stone cause of symptoms was found in 5.4% of scans and acutely important alternate causes in 2.8% of scans.

Conclusions

While a non–kidney stone cause for a patient's symptoms are found in nearly 10% of CTs done using a FPP, acutely important findings occur in less than 3% of scans done in patients with flank or back pain and absence of pyuria.
Individual Lytic Efficacy of Recombinant Tissue Plasminogen Activator in an In Vitro Human Clot Model: Rate of “Nonresponse”
Authors: Meunier Jason M. , Wenker Evan , Lindsell Christopher J. , Shaw George J.
Published: May 2013

Objectives

Recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt‐PA) is a lytic medication widely used in the emergency department to treat acute thrombotic disorders such as ischemic stroke and myocardial infarction. It is known in the clinical use of this drug that it can be less effective in approximately 25% of individuals receiving such treatment. However, there are no data on the variation of lytic efficacy of rt‐PA in decreasing individuals' clot size over time. In this study, in vitro lytic efficacy was determined by measuring the decrease in clot diameter after 30 minutes of drug exposure. The authors sought to explore whether there are individuals who do not respond to this lytic therapy and to estimate the rate of nonresponse.

Methods

Human whole blood clots were made from blood drawn from 22 adult volunteers. The only exclusion criterion was the use of aspirin within 72 hours of the blood draw. Blood clots were allowed to spontaneously form at room temperature and were then incubated at 37°C for 3 hours to ensure complete clot retraction. Sample clots from the same individuals were then exposed to human fresh‐frozen plasma (hFFP) control or rt‐PA in hFFP (rt‐PA) at a concentration of 3.15 μg/mL. All clots were exposed at 37°C for 30 minutes, and clot diameter was measured as a function of time, using a microscopic imaging technique. The fractional clot loss (FCL), which is the percentage decrease in clot diameter at 30 minutes, was used as a measure of lytic efficacy.

Results

Means with standard deviation (SD) FCL values were 8.6% (±3.0%) for control and 20.6% (±9.3%) for rt‐PA–treated clots. The mean (±SD) difference in FCL values was 12.0% (±8.8%) and was significant (p < 0.05, paired t‐test). Five of the 22 subjects (23%) were “rt‐PA nonresponders,” in that their FCL (rt‐PA) values fell within that of the FCL control values.

Conclusions

Overall, rt‐PA does not produce clot lysis in vitro in clots from a substantial minority of the population, likely due to individual variations in clot composition and structure.
Cash transfer programs and agricultural production: the case of Malawi
Authors: Boone Ryan , Covarrubias Katia , Davis Benjamin , Winters Paul
Published: May 2013

Cash transfer programs are increasingly utilized to combat poverty and hunger while building the human capital of future generations; however, they have been faulted by some for failing to build the productive capacity of current generations. This article analyzes the impact of the Malawi Social Cash Transfer Scheme on agricultural production. The results show strong increases in ownership of productive agricultural assets, in time devoted to household farms, and in food types consumed from own production, coupled with a sharp decrease in ganyu labor, which is often used as a coping mechanism once food stores have been depleted. These results are most likely achieved by helping farmers overcome credit and liquidity constraints. This research shows that cash transfer programs can help the capacity of extremely poor farm households to expand agriculture production even if the goal of the program is focusing on other dimensions of poverty.
Safe to crush? A pilot study into solid dosage form modification in aged care
Authors: Mercovich Nicole , Kyle Greg J , Naunton Mark
Published: May 2013

Aims

To observe medication solid dosage form modification in aged care facilities (ACFs), and assess staff levels of self‐perceived knowledge of medication modification and the types of resources available to them.

Method

Observation of medication rounds in a convenience sample of Australian Capital Territory ACFs and assessment of staff knowledge of dosage form modification and available resources.

Results

From 160 observations across six medication rounds, 29 residents had a total of 75 medications modified by the nursing staff prior to administration, with 32% of these instances identified as inappropriate. The methods used for crushing and administration resulted in drug mixing, spillage and incomplete dosing. The staff reported adequate resources; however, a lack of knowledge on how to locate and use these resources was evident.

Conclusions

Improved staff training on how to use available resources is needed to reduce the observed high incidence of inappropriate medication crushing.
Coastal‐inland interactions in Burmese history: a long‐term perspective
Authors: Findlay Ronald
Published: May 2013

The history of Burma, like that of many Southeast Asian countries, can be viewed in terms of the interaction between coastal regions and kingdoms, on the one hand, and more densely populated inland agrarian states on the other. In the case of Burma this division also largely coincides with ethnic differences between the Mon and the Arakanese in the former category and the Burmans and the Shans in the latter. External influences have typically been transmitted through overseas contact, with India and Ceylon as in the case of the pervasive cultural force of Buddhism, and later with the impact of firearms introduced by the Portuguese during the 16th century, that formed the background to the protracted conflicts between the Burmese Toungoo, Ava and Konbaung kingdoms and the Thai kingdom of Ayuthia. The beginning of the 19th century saw the start of the three wars between the Konbaung Dynasty and India‐based British imperialism in which the major role was played by disputes over trade and the Bengal‐Arakan frontier. British rule in Lower Burma after 1826 and 1854 transformed the economic system of the country even before the complete occupation after 1885 by integrating it with the expanding world economy through rice and teak exports. Between 1885 and the Japanese invasion of 1942 the impact of international trade, foreign direct investment and immigration was the major force of both expansion and contraction of the economic system, as well as of social and political change and instability, eventually culminating after 1945 in the achievement of independence. The economic policy of independent Burma, during both the civilian and subsequent military regimes, was largely shaped by the fraught legacy of overseas contact in Burmese history as noted above. The recent change of the capital from the commercial port of Rangoon to the new inland ‘city’ of Naypyidaw is thus of more than merely symbolic significance since it may reflect a desire to return to the apparently safe isolation of the interior ‘heartland’ over the vicissitudes of international trade and overseas contacts. But is that a wise choice in the increasingly globalized world of the 21st century?
Development trajectories: Hong Kong vs. Shanghai
Authors: Horesh Niv
Published: May 2013

Over the past three decades, Shanghai and Hong Kong, leading cities in China's Yangzi River Delta and Pearl River Delta, respectively, have seen rapid economic development and institutional transformation. Shanghai has experienced a major breakthrough in its export‐driven economy and in industrial upgrading since the opening of the Pudong area in the 1990s. Shanghai has also ramped up its efforts to catch up with Hong Kong and has already become one of the world's foremost manufacturing and export hubs. At the same time, and particularly following the 1997 Asian economic crisis, Hong Kong has redoubled efforts to identify shortcomings in its economic architecture; and has explored plans to transcend its traditional role as a financial hub, to attract entrepreneurial hi‐tech talent, and to overcome inequitable income growth. This paper explores the development trajectories of these two cities and how they depart from the pre‐1978 development models. The paper also examines the extent to which the current trajectories are complementary or in competition.
Legal frameworks and credit information systems in China, Korea, and Singapore
Authors: Han Kwangsuk , Lee Yeonho , Park Chanil
Published: May 2013

We analyse the relationship between Public Credit Registries and Credit Bureaus in East Asia by observing credit information markets, in particular, in China, Singapore, and Korea. Singapore's credit information system consists of only a Credit Bureau. China and Korea have gone in different directions. Public Credit Registries play the role of credit information sharing in China, while Public Credit Registries and Credit Bureaus coexist in Korea. The results suggest an important relationship between the development of financial markets and credit information systems. The lower the income level and the heavier the government's hand in financial markets, the greater the need for Public Credit Registries; whereas, financial liberalisation and rising incomes encourage Credit Bureaus.
Autism spectrum disorder in Chinese populations: A brief review
Authors: Feng Lei , Li Chunbo , Chiu Helen , Lee Tih‐Shih , Spencer Michael D , Wong John Chee‐Meng
Published: May 2013

This review summarizes the published work on the prevalence and incidence rates of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in Chinese populations. The authors searched MEDLINE, Web of Science and the PsycINFO database and identified seven studies that were published in the English language. In mainland China, Li and colleagues reported an autism prevalence rate of 2.38/10,000 but admitted the possibility of underestimation. A higher prevalence of 11/10,000 was reported by Zhang and Ji based on a survey that was conducted in Tianjin, China. In Taiwan, Chien and colleagues reported that the cumulative prevalence of ASD increased from 1.79 to 28.72/10,000 from 1996 to 2005 and the annual incidence rate increased from 0.91 to 4.41/10,000 per year from 1997 to 2005. Another study based on the Taiwan national health insurance database reported a high prevalence rate of 122.8/10,000 for the year 2007. Two studies based on the Taiwan national disability registry data reported an increasing trend of ASD for the period 2000–2007 and 2004–2010, respectively. In Hong Kong, Wong and colleagues estimated that the incidence of ASD was 5.49/10,000 and the average prevalence over the 1986–2005 period was 16.1/10,000. We identified 12 studies through the searching of Chinese databases. The prevalences among these studies varied from 2.8 to 29.5/10,000. While existing data appear to suggest, it remains unclear whether there is a true rise in the prevalence of ASD in ethnic Chinese population across geographic sites. More collaborative research on this topic should be conducted in the future.
Prisoner Disenfranchisement: Prisoner and Public Views of an Invisible Punishment
Authors: Dhami Mandeep K. , Cruise Paula A.
Published: May 2013

A prison sentence is often geared toward punishment of offenders, reduction of crime, and/or protection of the public. However, in many jurisdictions, those in prison may suffer from collateral or “invisible” consequences such as denial of their voting rights. Despite the growing global social and legal debates on prisoner disenfranchisement policy, there have been few empirical studies of this issue. We explored and compared a sample of the prisoners’ and the public's views of prisoner disenfranchisement policy in the United Kingdom. Although the public were more likely than prisoners to consider voting as important, they were less aware of prisoner disenfranchisement. A high proportion of prisoners said they would vote in prison, however, only a third had voted in the past (outside prison). Prisoners and the public held different attitudes toward prisoner disenfranchisement, and the public were more likely to view this policy as fair. Prisoners were more likely to believe that their vote could influence elections, and this best predicted their intentions to vote. These findings are further considered in relation to political party affiliation, prisoner populations, and offense types. We identify future directions for research on prisoner disenfranchisement.
Fire impact on the woody plant components of dry deciduous forest in Central Menabe, Madagascar
Authors: Ehrensperger Tabea , Urech Zora Lea , Rehnus Maik , Sorg Jean‐Pierre
Published: May 2013

Questions

We investigated the effects of human‐induced fires on woody plant components of dry deciduous forest in Madagascar. Specifically, we addressed the following questions: (1) which forest layers are most affected by fire; (2) how is forest structure, species richness, diversity and composition affected by fire disturbance; and (3) does the forest recover after fire disturbance?

Location

Kirindy Forest in Central Menabe, western Madagascar.

Methods

We conducted our investigations in seven areas of the Kirindy Forest, which was burned between 1984 and 2009. Vegetation data were collected in nested plots for the different forest layers in the burned and unburned forest. Using GLM, we assessed fire impact on forest structure, species richness and diversity of the different forest layers. The recovery of burned forest was investigated using correlation analysis. In addition, we used descriptive methods to analyse fire impact on species composition.

Results

Fire mainly influenced the middle forest layers, trees >1.50‐m high and diameters <15 cm, and significantly reduced tree density, basal area, species richness and diversity. Fire had no significant impact on the measured parameters of the shrub and top layers. Despite the severe impact of fire on the middle forest layers, most of the measured parameters of these layers were able to recover from fire disturbance within a short time. Twelve years after fire disturbance, tree density, basal area, species richness and diversity in burned forest areas no longer differed from unburned forest areas. However, species composition differed substantially between burned and unburned forests.

Conclusions

We conclude that fire severely impacts the middle forest layers and alters forest structure, i.e. species richness and tree diversity, of the dry deciduous forest of Central Menabe.
Co‐evolution of gametes of the Greater Bandicoot Rat, Bandicota indica – a murine rodent from South‐East Asia
Authors: Dorman Fiona , Balsamo Priscilla , Leigh Chris , Breed William G.
Published: May 2013

Most Old World mice and rats, subfamily Murinae, have a spermatozoon with an apical hook, a long tail and, as seen typically in eutherian mammals, a bilaterally flattened head. Dramatically different from this are the sperm of the Greater Bandicoot Rat, Bandicota indica. Here, we ask the question has the structure of the sperm head co‐evolved with that of the egg coat, the zona pellucida? For this, we first summarise the morphological features of the spermatozoon of B. indica that may relate to zona pellucida penetration at the time of fertilisation, and we confirm that the sperm head is generally round, not bilaterally flattened, in profile and has a huge acrosome. We then show that the zona pellucida around oocytes in tertiary follicles also differs from that of the other murine rodents in being only about 4 μm thick and, as demonstrated by lectin staining, has an unusual abundance of alpha‐L‐fucose. These findings indicate that both the male and female gametes of this South‐East Asian murine rodent are highly divergent in their structural organisation. One of the functional implications of this probably relates to sperm–zona interactions and the release of acrosomal enzymes that probably facilitate penetration by digestion of the zona matrix at the time of fertilisation.
Predicting risk severity and response of fetal neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia
Authors: Salomon Ophira , Rosenberg Nurit
Published: May 2013

Fetal neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (FNAIT) is a devastating bleeding disorder in the fetus or neonate caused by transplacental transport of maternal alloantibodies to paternal‐derived antigen on fetal platelets. In Caucasians, up to 80% of FNAIT cases result from maternal immunization to human platelet antigen (HPA)‐1a. New methods have developed facilitating detection of common and private antibodies against HPAs triggering FNAIT. Understanding the pathogenesis of FNAIT made it possible to develop a novel strategy to treat this disorder. To date, recombinant monoclonal antibodies directed against the β3 integrin and Fc receptors have been tested in a mouse model of FNAIT, and seem to be promising. Whether those novel treatments will eventually replace the conventional high dose immunoglobulin G in women with FNAIT is yet unknown.
Social Relationships, Well‐Being, and Career Commitment: Exploring Cross‐Domain Effects of Social Relationships
Authors: Wallace Jean E.
Published: May 2013

Cette étude explore dans quelle mesure les relations sociales dans divers domaines de la vie sont liées au bien‐être en général ainsi qu'aux exigences de carrière. Cette étude cherche à savoir si les effets de l'interaction des relations sociales sont nuisibles ou bénéfiques et s'ils mesurent les effets du stress sur un ou plusieurs domaines de la vie. Analysant des données d'enquête recueillies auprès de 1,436 avocats mariés de l'Ouest canadien. Les résultats suggèrent que la spécificité de domaine ne détermine pas forcément la nécessité de documenter les effets des interactions. Les résultats Ils suggèrent aussi que les ressources de soutien ou les activités intégratives ne sont pas forcément toutes bénéfiques et qu'au contraire, elles pourraient nuire au bien‐être ainsi qu'à l'engagement de carrière.

This study explores the extent to which social relationships in different life domains are related to overall well‐being and career commitment. This study investigates whether the interaction effects of social relationships are harmful or beneficial, as well as whether they moderate the effects of strain within the same domain or across domains. Survey data were analyzed from 1,436 married lawyers in Western Canada. The results suggest that domain specificity is not necessarily a key to documenting interaction effects. They also suggest that not all support resources or integrative activities are necessarily beneficial and instead may be detrimental to individuals' well‐being and career commitment.
Expression of Toll-like receptor-3 is enhanced in active inflammatory bowel disease and mediates the excessive release of lipocalin 2
Authors: Østvik A E , Granlund A v B , Torp S H , Flatberg A , Beisvåg V , Waldum H L , Flo T H , Espevik T , Damås J K , Sandvik A K
Published: May 2013

Anti-microbial peptides might influence the pathogenesis and course of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We sought to clarify the role of the anti-microbial glycoprotein lipocalin 2 (LCN2) in the colon by determining its localization and regulation in IBD. Following a microarray gene expression study of colonic biopsies from a large IBD population (n = 133), LCN2 was localized using immunohistochemistry and in-situ hybridization. Moreover, we examined the regulation of LCN2 in HT-29 cells with a panel of pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) and sought evidence by immunohistochemistry that the most relevant PRR, the Toll-like receptor (TLR)-3, was indeed expressed in colonic epithelium in IBD. LCN2 was among the 10 most up-regulated genes in both active ulcerative colitis (UCa) and active Crohn's disease (CDa) versus healthy controls. LCN2 protein was found in both epithelial cells and infiltrating neutrophils, while mRNA synthesis was located solely to epithelial cells, indicating that de-novo synthesis and thus regulation of LCN2 as measured in the gene expression analysis takes place in the mucosal epithelial cells. LCN2 is a putative biomarker in faeces for intestinal inflammation, different from calprotectin due to its epithelial site of synthesis. LCN2 release from the colonic epithelial cell line HT-29 was enhanced by both interleukin (IL)-1β and the TLR-3 ligand poly(I:C), and TLR-3 was shown to be expressed constitutively in colonic epithelial cells and markedly increased during inflammation.
Disordered Toll-like receptor 2 responses in the pathogenesis of pulmonary sarcoidosis
Authors: Gabrilovich M I , Walrath J , van Lunteren J , Nethery D , Seifu M , Kern J A , Harding C V , Tuscano L , Lee H , Williams S D , Mackay W , Tomashefski J F , Silver R F
Published: May 2013

In this study, we hypothesized that the granulomatous disorder sarcoidosis is not caused by a single pathogen, but rather results from abnormal responses of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) to conserved bacterial elements. Unsorted bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) cells from patients with suspected pulmonary sarcoidosis and healthy non-smoking control subjects were stimulated with representative ligands of TLR-2 (in both TLR-2/1 and TLR-2/6 heterodimers) and TLR-4. Responses were determined by assessing resulting production of tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-6. BAL cells from patients in whom sarcoidosis was confirmed displayed increased cytokine responses to the TLR-2/1 ligand 19-kDa lipoprotein of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (LpqH) and decreased responses to the TLR-2/6 agonist fibroblast stimulating ligand-1 (FSL)-1. Subsequently, we evaluated the impact of TLR-2 gene deletion in a recently described murine model of T helper type 1 (Th1)-associated lung disease induced by heat-killed Propionibacterium acnes. As quantified by blinded scoring of lung pathology, P. acnes-induced granulomatous pulmonary inflammation was markedly attenuated in TLR-2–/– mice compared to wild-type C57BL/6 animals. The findings support a potential role for disordered TLR-2 responses in the pathogenesis of pulmonary sarcoidosis.
Pupil Mobility: Using Students' Voices to Explore their Experiences of Changing Schools
Authors: Messiou Kyriaki , Jones Lisa
Published: May 2013

This article explores the ways in which students' voices can be used to analyse the process of moving schools, at a time outside of those that young people normally change schools. The paper is based on a study in a secondary school and uses qualitative data collected by researchers and student co‐researchers. Two areas were raised by students as important about being at a new school: the perceived challenges and their perceptions of learning in a new environment. It is argued that to respond to issues that arise due to mobility, an engagement with students' views is necessary. Furthermore, this can facilitate policy‐makers, school leaders and educators in providing more effective support for those young people.