bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Supraclavicular Blockade
Authors: Jacob Adam K. , Scott Kenneth P.
Published: July 2012

Supraclavicular block is used for procedures of the upper extremity distal to the shoulder, including the elbow, forearm, and hand. The following aspects of the procedure are reviewed: clinical applications, relevant anatomy, patient position, technique (including neural localization techniques, needle insertion site, and needle redirection cues), and side effects and complications. Use of ultrasound guidance for this block is also reviewed.
In the Loop—Left Ventricular Pressures
Authors: Munis James R.
Published: July 2012

We've already looked at 2 types of pressure that affect physiology (atmospheric and hydrostatic pressure). Now let's consider the third: vascular pressures that result from mechanical events in the cardiovascular system. As you already know, cardiac output can be defined as the product of heart rate times stroke volume. Heart rate is self-explanatory. Stroke volume is determined by 3 factors—preload, afterload, and inotropy—and these determinants are in turn dependent on how the left ventricle handles pressure. In a pressure-volume loop, ‘afterload’ is represented by the pressure at the end of isovolumic contraction—just when the aortic valve opens (because the ventricular pressure is now higher than aortic root pressure). These loops not only are straightforward but are easier to construct just by thinking them through, rather than by memorization.
Down But Not Out—Circulatory Arrest Pressures
Authors: Munis James R.
Published: July 2012

Suppose that your heart has just stopped. What would happen to your blood pressure? At least 2 things would happen that you might not predict (and I hope you won't discover them anytime soon). First, the various blood pressures in the different parts of your circulatory system would converge to the same value. Second, you might be surprised to find that your blood pressure is not zero. That's not just because of vertical (hydrostatic) gradients within the body. Because the blood volume is considerably greater than the passive circulatory system volume, the blood vessels are slightly stretched and maintain a non-zero pressure even after the heart stops. To determine the actual non-zero pressure during cardiac arrest, we only have to divide the stressed blood volume by vascular compliance.
Where Breath Meets Blood—Lung Perfusion
Authors: Munis James R.
Published: July 2012

The pulmonary circulation is a low-resistance, low-pressure, high-flow system because its primary function is to oxygenate blood. For that reason, pulmonary circulation is different from systemic circulation. Because resistance is lower in pulmonary circulation, pressures across the pulmonary vascular bed also are substantially lower. An efficient system includes inherently low resistance. This allows the entire cardiac output to flow through without high-pressure areas, thereby diminishing the danger of rupturing thin gas-exchange surfaces. One other consequence of low resistance is that the pulmonary circulation is unusually susceptible to the effects of gravity. No substantial part of the cerebral circulation collapses in the head-up position because it is held open by the rigid cranium and the architecture of the venous sinuses. Pulmonary circulation is different. There is less ‘stenting open’ of pulmonary capillaries, and they are therefore more likely to partially or fully collapse when transmural pressure becomes negative.
Putting It All Together—Manned Space Flight
Authors: Munis James R.
Published: July 2012

There are 3 main sources of pressure in physiology: atmospheric, hydrostatic, and mechanical. Unless a feasible method to generate ‘artificial gravity’ is developed, the astronauts on board will experience about 888 days of weightlessness during a Mars mission. What does this mean physiologically? The mechanical pressures generated by the heart, blood vessels, and the muscles of respiration will remain unchanged, except for whatever atrophy occurs during the mission. One interesting and apparently intractable problem of reduced gravity is muscle wasting. The skeletal muscles of respiration will not atrophy because they still will be constantly used and exercised. What about hydrostatic pressures? Without gravity, there is no possibility of a hydrostatic pressure gradient. What is the practical effect of losing the hydrostatic pressure gradient? Apparently, it has very little effect because astronauts survive and their brains seem to remain perfused during exposure to weightless environments. There is another physiologic challenge in space, a decrease in total blood volume, which results in orthostatic intolerance upon returning to Earth.
Blastomyces dermatitidis
Authors: Blair Janis E
Published: July 2012

Blastomyces dermatitidis is a fungus endemic in the central and eastern United States. It is coendemic with Histoplasma capsulatum in much of the central and southeastern United States, including the Mississippi and Ohio river valleys. Distribution of B dermatitidis extends farther north and west than H capsulatum and includes northern Wisconsin, Minnesota, Ontario, and Manitoba. Fungal growth occurs in nitrogen-rich soils close to streams, rivers, and lakes. Many outbreaks of blastomycosis occur within 100 meters of recreational water. Infection can be asymptomatic or can cause flulike symptoms, pneumonia, or skin, bone or CNS manifestations. Diagnosis and treatment are also reviewed.
Coccidioides Species
Authors: Blair Janis E
Published: July 2012

Coccidioidomycosis is endemic only in the Western Hemisphere, mainly in southern Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and much of central and southern California, and in small areas in South American countries, including Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Paraguay, and Venezuela. It is highly endemic in northern Mexico. The organism grows in soil in a semiarid, geographically restricted region, the Lower Sonoran Life Zone. Two nearly identical species cause coccidioidomycosis: Coccidioides immitis and Coccidioides posadasii. Upon inhalation, the fungus enters the lungs and converts to the tissue parasitic phase, which consists of alternating spherules and endospores. Infection can be asymptomatic or can cause flulike symptoms, meningitis, or skin, bone or joint manifestations. Diagnosis and treatment are also reviewed.
Paracoccidioides brasiliensis
Authors: Blair Janis E
Published: July 2012

Paracoccidioides brasiliensis is found only in Latin America. It is endemic in Mexico, Central America, and South America. Most cases (80%) have been reported from Brazil, followed by Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, and Argentina. Most cases occur in tropical and subtropical forests, where temperatures are mild and humidity is high throughout the year. Infection can be asymptomatic or can cause mucosal lesions involving the mouth, lips, tongue or nose. It can also cause lymphadenopathy, dyspnea, cough, and skin lesions. Diagnosis and treatment are also reviewed.
Intra-abdominal Infections
Authors: Orenstein Robert
Published: July 2012

Intra-abdominal infections are a common reason for infectious disease consultation.

These infections span the spectrum from localized organ space infections to diffuse peritonitis. Intra-abdominal infections occur in various intraperitoneal and extraperitoneal locations depending on the source. Diverticulitis, appendicitis, pancreatitis, abscesses, infections related to peritoneal dialysis, and other less common intra-abdominal infections are also reviewed. Diagnosis and treatment of specific conditions are covered.
Obstetric and Gynecologic Issues Related to Infectious Diseases
Authors: Boldt Kristi L.
Published: July 2012

Infection is the most common complication during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Choices are limited for antibiotic therapy are limited. One must take into account the effect of pregnancy on serum levels, distribution of antibiotics, placental transfer, the fetus, the newborn, excretion in milk, the breast-feeding infant. Antimicrobial therapy is selected on the basis of experience and guidelines. Diagnosis and treatment of urinary tract infections, bacterial vaginosis, preterm labor, preterm rupture of membranes, intra-amniotic infection, and major perinatal and puerperal infections are reviewed.
RNA Silencing Induced by an Artificial Sequence That Prevents Proper Transcription Termination in Rice
Authors: Kawakatsu Taiji , Wakasa Yuhya , Yasuda Hiroshi , Takaiwa Fumio
Published: July 2012

Posttranscriptional gene silencing (PTGS) is a sequence-specific mRNA degradation caused by small RNA, such as microRNA (miRNA) and small interfering RNA (siRNA). miRNAs are generated from MIRNA loci, whereas siRNAs originate from various sources of double-stranded RNA. In this study, an artificial RNA silencing inducible sequence (RSIS) was identified in rice (Oryza sativa). This sequence causes PTGS of 5′ or 3′ flanking-sequence-containing genes. Interestingly, two target genes can be simultaneously suppressed by linking a unique target sequence to either the 5′ or 3′ end of RSIS. Multiple gene suppression can be also achieved though a single transformation event by incorporating the multisite gateway system. Moreover, RSIS-mediated PTGS occurs in nuclei. Deep sequencing of small RNAs reveals that siRNAs are produced from RSIS-expressing cassettes and transitive siRNAs are produced from endogenous target genes. Furthermore, siRNAs are typically generated from untranscribed transgene terminator regions. The read-through transcripts from the RSIS-expression cassette were consistently observed, and most of these sequences were not polyadenylated. Collectively, this data indicates that RSIS inhibits proper transcription termination. The resulting transcripts are not polyadenylated. These transcripts containing RSIS become templates for double-stranded RNA synthesis in nuclei. This is followed by siRNA production and target degradation of target genes.
Gender earning gaps around the world: a study of 64 countries
Authors: Ñopo Hugo , Daza Nancy , Ramos Johanna
Published: July 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze gender disparities in labor earnings for a comprehensive set of 64 countries.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the methodological approach proposed by Ñopo, socio‐demographic characteristics are used to match males and females such that gender earnings disparities are computed only among individuals with the same observable characteristics.

Findings

Disparities are partially attributed to gender differences in observable socio‐demographic and job characteristics. After matching males and females with the same characteristics, the authors found that the earnings gap falls within a range between 8 per cent and 48 per cent of average females’ earnings, being more pronounced in South Asia and Sub‐Saharan Africa. The unexplained earnings gaps are more pronounced among part‐time workers and those with low education levels.

Originality/value

This paper presents a comprehensive view of gender earnings gaps in the world, simultaneously exploring many of the issues highlighted in the related literature. It adds value by exploring gender gaps in a comparative perspective, applying the same methods for several different countries.
Testing the role of comparative advantage and learning in wage and promotion dynamics
Authors: Hunnes Arngrim
Published: July 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate empirically whether job assignment, based on comparative advantage and learning about workers’ abilities, can explain wage and promotion dynamics within firms.

Design/methodology/approach

The Gibbons and Waldman model is estimated in a generalized method of moments (GMM) framework using a unique data set on white‐collar workers in Norway, for the years 1987‐1997. The estimation is carried out on two occupational groups: technical and administrative white‐collar workers.

Findings

The placing of workers in a given position within a firm's hierarchy is based on comparative advantage. Both measurable and unmeasurable skills are important. This holds in both occupations that were studied in this investigation. When it comes to firms’ learning about their workers, the results are not so clear; however, overall, the results on learning seem to have stronger support than found in previous studies. In general, there is more evidence for learning about administrative white‐collar workers than learning about technical white‐collar workers.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to a very small thread of empirical literature concerning wage and promotion dynamics within firms using linked employer‐employee data that contain detailed information on firm hierarchies.
The changing role of librarians in the digital world
Authors: Arif Muhammad , Mahmood Khalid
Published: July 2012

Purpose

The aim of this study was to explore the pattern and extent of the adoption of Web 2.0 technologies by Pakistani librarians.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was conducted using web‐based surveying software (SurveyMonkey) and Pakistan based LIS e‐mail discussion groups. Professional librarians serving in all types of libraries participated in the study.

Findings

Instant messaging, blogs, social networking and wikis were the most popular Web 2.0 technologies. Librarians adopted such technologies in their professional and personal lives. Gender, length of professional experience and place of work have no effect on the frequency of use, while perceived skill level of internet use and perceived ease of Web 2.0 use have a significant effect on the frequency. Lack of computer literacy, and lower availability of computers and internet facilities were the major hindrances of Web 2.0 adoption by librarians. Awareness and training programs could enable librarians to cope with Web 2.0 technologies.

Research limitations/implications

Due to the use of a non‐probability/non‐representative sampling method, the results cannot be generalized.

Practical implications

This study will create awareness among LIS professionals toward the use of advanced technology in their professional environment. The findings of this study will contribute to the successful adoption of Web 2.0 in libraries.

Originality/value

This is the first study on the adoption of Web 2.0 technologies in Pakistani librarianship.
A mixed method approach to understanding the role of emotions and sensual delight in dining experience
Authors: Arora Raj
Published: July 2012

Purpose

This paper aims to use a mixed method approach to understand the role of emotions and sensual delight in influencing satisfaction and intention. The setting for the study is restaurants. Three types of restaurants form the basis of investigation: fine dining, family dining and fast food restaurants. Using three categories of restaurants affords the opportunity to understand the differential impact of sensual delight and emotions in these settings. Furthermore the mixed method approach helps to validate the quantitative findings and also to offer additional insight in consumption emotions.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based on a concurrent, two‐studies design where quantitative and qualitative data are both collected (concurrently or sequentially) and analyzed separately. Four independent investigations are reported in this paper. The first three investigations (fine dining, family dining and fast food dining) are based on quantitative modeling using LISREL. The last investigation provides a richer narrative using phenomenological approach.

Findings

The quantitative findings show a strong influence of sensual delight and emotions in affecting satisfaction and intentions. The qualitative findings show how managers may enhance the dining experience and customer satisfaction.

Research limitations/implications

Caution is advised in extrapolating the results beyond the issues investigated in the study.

Practical implications

The findings provide a framework for managers in creating a delightful dining experience.

Originality/value

There are several important contributions from this study. First the role of emotions in various dining aspects is new in this study. It has not been investigated in dining situations. Next, while the role of sensual delight in hedonic situations is understandable, it has not been systematically investigated using causal models. Third, this study uses a mixed method approach. The quantitative study is followed by a qualitative study to add further insights that will help understand drivers of satisfaction or dissatisfaction. Thus it is a very comprehensive study on sensual delight in the restaurant industry.
Practices and experiences: challenges and opportunities for value research
Authors: Helkkula Anu , Kelleher Carol , Pihlström Minna
Published: July 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to distinguish experiences from practices and relate this distinction to current developments in value research within service‐dominant (S‐D) logic and the broader service domain.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper provides a conceptual overview of how experiences and practices have been characterized in the literature to date, how they differ from each other, and if and where they intersect. Following this, the epistemological and methodological differences between practices and experiences are illustrated using narrated experiences and practical observations of car‐washing.

Findings

While practices are primarily routinized patterns of behaviour, experiences focus more on individuals' value determinations in different contexts. Thus, different types of methodology are needed to observe customers' behaviour in value‐creating practices and interpret customers' sense making of value experiences.

Research limitations/implications

Both phenomenological value experiences and value co‐creation practices contribute to value research: while practices are the shared possession of the collective, internal and individual differentiation is included in practices. Practices may change or evolve over time, possibly resulting in improved value outcomes or experiences. Opportunities and challenges should be considered by value researchers including the temporal nature of practices and experiences, evidence about value, and the intersubjectivity of social relations.

Practical implications

To better facilitate individual experiences and collective practices, service providers need to understand both experiences and practices in order to co‐create value with individuals and their networks.

Originality/value

This study is the first systematic attempt in service research to present an analysis of the distinction between experiences and practices, and to analyze the relevance of this distinction for value research.
Analysis of dark current dependent upon threading dislocations in Ge/Si heterojunction photodetectors
Authors: Wei Ying , Cai Xueyuan , Ran Jinzhi , Yang Jianhong
Published: July 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the dependence of dark current on threading dislocations (TDs) in relaxed Ge layer for Ge/Si heterojunction photodetectors.

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis of the effects of TDs is based on SRH generation and recombination mechanism used in two‐dimensional drift‐diffusion numerical simulation.

Findings

It is found that the TDs in Ge layer acting as the recombination centers lead to large dark current densities of devices, and the recombination rate is affected by the impurity out‐diffusion from Si substrate. Besides, the TDs, being the acceptor‐like defects simultaneously, form band barrier at Si/Ge interface with lightly doped Si substrates, thus limiting the minority carrier transport and resulting in low dark current densities.

Originality/value

The simulation results are excellently consistent with the experimental data and indicate that the reduction of threading dislocation densities (TDDs), especially in Ge buffer layer, dramatically decreases dark currents densities of Ge/Si photodetectors. The investigation can be applied to imbue devices with desired characteristics.
Clinical governance: a lever for change in Nhan Dan Gia Dinh Hospital in Vietnam
Authors: Trong Tuan Luu
Published: July 2012

Purpose

This research aims to look through the data of Nhan Dan Gia Dinh Hospital, a state‐owned hospital in Vietnam, for evidence on whether a clinical governance initiative cultivates ethical leadership, market‐ or innovation‐oriented culture, knowledge sharing, and knowledge‐ or identity‐based trust.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected through a case study approach with hospital document collection, field observations, and in‐depth interviews conducted between April 2009 and April 2011.

Findings

The findings demonstrated that a clinical governance initiative, when effectively implemented, can function as a lever for behavioural transformations in the hospital towards ethical leadership, market‐ or innovation‐oriented culture, knowledge sharing, and knowledge‐ or identity‐based trust.

Originality/value

The current research provides a portrayal of an effective clinical governance initiative with its proactive hospital outcomes such as ethical leadership, market‐ or innovation‐oriented culture, knowledge sharing, and knowledge‐ or identity‐based trust on the hospital journey of sustainable health creation. This paper also highlights the necessity for research that examines other organizational outcomes of clinical governance in Vietnamese hospitals of other ownerships.
Information requirements for sustainable consumption
Authors: Seifi Shahla , Zulkifli Norzima , Yusuff Rosnah , Sullaiman Shamsuddin
Published: July 2012

Purpose

An increasingly important factor that influences purchasing decisions is that of environmental protection, particularly associated with climate change. This is particularly important as far as the purchase of consumer durables is concerned because of the energy that they consume; energy efficiency is one route towards minimizing environmental impact. Minimizing such impact is one factor towards achieving sustainability and therefore making possible sustainable development. This paper aims to address this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper shows that labeling is a crucial component of sustainable purchasing. It is based on literature and a review of current practice in various countries around the world.

Findings

The central argument of this paper is that the desire to make sustainable purchasing decisions necessitates better information to make decisions according to this criterion. This in turn requires manufacturers to provide better information through their labeling.

Social implications

The paper shows that better information enables more sustainable consumer purchasing decisions.

Originality/value

This research extends knowledge of the components of sustainability and requirements for sustainable development, particularly as far as consumer purchasing decisions are concerned. It also has potentially important implications for manufacturers and also shows for them an important route towards achieving sustainable development for themselves and for the global economy.
The roles of personal innovativeness and push vs pull delivery methods in travel‐oriented location‐based marketing services
Authors: Beldona Srikanth , Lin Kunwei , Yoo Joanne
Published: July 2012

Purpose

As mobile devices amass greater capabilities that include broadband internet and global positioning systems (GPS), the relevance of location based marketing (LBM) services has gained increased attention among tourism researchers and marketers alike. The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of personal travel innovativeness, information privacy and the type of delivery method (pull vs push) on the perception of potential value in LBM programs.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from travelers at two large airports in the USA. A 2*2 design that comprised LBM (services vs promotions) and the delivery method (pull vs push) combined with two primary covariates, namely personal travel innovativeness and information privacy, evaluated the potential value of LBM programs amongst consumers.

Findings

The findings indicate that personal travel innovativeness has a significant impact on the perception of potential value in LBM. Additionally, the pull delivery method was more amenable to customers when compared with the push delivery method.

Research limitations/implications

There are significant implications for practitioners in the way LBM programs can be conceived and implemented. Also, marketing messages can be produced based on the relevance of the findings.

Originality/value

The paper is the first to directly ascertain the impact of the delivery method and travel innovativeness in an emerging domain of LBM using a synthesis of constructs.
Self‐declared sensitive skin in China: a community‐based study in three top metropolises
Authors: Xu F. , Yan S. , Wu M. , Li F. , Sun Q. , Lai W. , Shen X. , Rahhali N. , Taieb C. , Xu J.
Published: July 2012

Objectives  To investigate the prevalence and the factors related to the sensitive skin in China.

Methods  A community‐based study was undertaken in three major cities in China, Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou, from November 2009 to January 2010. The participants in the study were screened by cluster sampling, and were investigated by interview at their own homes. A questionnaire, including skin sensitivity, the occurrence of burning, prickling or irritating sensations correlated with the factors, history of skin diseases and skin types, was given to each participant aged over 15 years.

Results  Totally 9154 questionnaires were completed (3931 men and 5223 women). The mean prevalence of very sensitive and sensitive skin in three cities was 13% (17.12% in Beijing, 9.10% in Shanghai and 22.39% in Guangzhou.) The mean prevalence was 8.62% in men and 15.93% in women, with significant difference between men and women in three selected cities (P < 0.001). The total prevalence of very sensitive and sensitive skin was 16.44% in <25 years group, 14.14% in 25–49 years group and 9.73% in ≥50 years group. Moreover, 18.54% of participants claimed with dry skin, 16.70% with greasy skin and 8.04% with normal skin claimed to have the symptoms of sensitive skin.

Conclusions  The prevalence of sensitive skin in the three cities of China is much lower than that in Europe and the United States. There was significant difference of the prevalence of sensitive skin among three cities located in different climatic and latitude regions and between men and women. The prevalence gradually decreased with the increasing age. The skin sensitivity was associated to the positive history of atopic dermatitis.
Beneficial effects of the melanocortin analogue Nle4‐D‐Phe7‐α‐MSH in acne vulgaris
Authors: Böhm M. , Ehrchen J. , Luger T.A.
Published: July 2012

Background  α‐Melanocyte‐stimulating hormone (α‐MSH) is a melanocortin peptide that increases skin pigmentation during ultraviolet light‐mediated tanning. As α‐MSH has been shown to possess anti‐inflammatory effects, we assessed the clinical potential of a superpotent α‐MSH analogue, afamelanotide (Nle4‐d‐Phe7‐α‐MSH), in patients with acne vulgaris, the most common inflammatory skin disorder.

Methods  Afamelanotide (16 mg) was given in a phase II open‐label pilot study subcutaneously as a sustained‐release resorbable implant formulation to 3 patients with mild‐to‐moderate facial acne vulgaris. Evaluation included lesion count, adverse effects and patient‐reported outcome. Monitoring of laboratory parameters included differential blood counts, electrolytes, urine analysis, and liver and kidney function tests. Skin melanin density was measured by reflectance spectrophotometry.

Results  The total number as well as the number of inflammatory acne lesions declined in all patients 56 days after the first injection of afamelanotide. Life quality as measured by Dermatology Life Quality Index likewise improved in all 3 patients 56 days after the first injection of afamelanotide. There were no adverse effects except mild and short‐term fatigue in one patient. All patients experienced increased pigmentation especially on the face. Clinically relevant changes in laboratory parameters were not detected.

Conclusions  Afamelanotide appears to have anti‐inflammatory effects in patients with mild‐to‐moderate acne vulgaris. Future trials are needed to confirm the anti‐inflammatory action of this melanocortin analogue in patients with acne vulgaris.
MARINE PROTECTED AREAS IN THE HIGH SEAS AND THEIR IMPACT ON INTERNATIONAL FISHING AGREEMENTS
Authors: PUNT MAARTEN J. , WEIKARD HANS‐PETER , VAN IERLAND EKKO C.
Published: July 2012

AbstractMarine protected areas (MPAs) are gaining momentum as tools within fisheries management. Although many studies have been conducted to their use and potential, only few authors have considered their use in the High Seas. In this paper, we investigate the effects of fish growth enhancing MPAs on the formation of regional fisheries management organisations (RFMOs) for highly migratory fish stocks. We argue that in absence of enforcement MPAs constitute a weakest‐link public good, which can only be realized if everyone agrees. We combine this notion with a game theoretic model of RFMO formation to derive potentially stable RFMOs with and without MPAs. We find that MPAs generally increase the parameter range over which RFMOs are stable, and that they increase stability in a number of cases as compared to the case without MPAs. They do not necessarily induce a fully cooperative solution among all fishing nations. In summary, results of this paper suggest a positive role for MPAs in the High Seas.
A Two-Component Regulatory System Controls Autoregulated Serpin Expression in Bifidobacterium breve UCC2003
Authors: Alvarez-Martin Pablo , O'Connell Motherway Mary , Turroni Francesca , Foroni Elena , Ventura Marco , van Sinderen Douwe
Published: July 2012

This work reports on the identification and molecular characterization of a two-component regulatory system (2CRS), encoded by
serRK
, which is believed to control the expression of the

ser
2003

locus in
Bifidobacterium breve
UCC2003. The

ser
2003

locus consists of two genes, Bbr_1319 (
sagA
) and Bbr_1320 (
serU
), which are predicted to encode a hypothetical membrane-associated protein and a serpin-like protein, respectively. The response regulator SerR was shown to bind to the promoter region of

ser
2003

, and the probable recognition sequence of SerR was determined by a combinatorial approach of
in vitro
site-directed mutagenesis coupled to transcriptional fusion and electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSAs). The importance of the
serRK
2CRS in the response of
B. breve
to protease-mediated induction was confirmed by generating a
B. breve serR
insertion mutant, which was shown to exhibit altered

ser
2003

transcriptional induction patterns compared to the parent strain, UCC2003. Interestingly, the analysis of a
B. breve serU
mutant revealed that the SerRK signaling pathway appears to include a SerU-dependent autoregulatory loop.
Complete Genome Sequence of Streptococcus salivarius PS4, a Strain Isolated from Human Milk
Authors: Martín Virginia , Maldonado-Barragán Antonio , Jiménez Esther , Ruas-Madiedo Patricia , Fernández Leónides , Rodríguez Juan M.
Published: July 2012

Streptococcus salivarius
is a commensal species commonly found in the human oropharyngeal tract. Some strains of this species have been developed for use as oral probiotics, while others have been associated with a variety of opportunistic human infections. Here, we report the complete sequence of strain PS4, which was isolated from breast milk of a healthy woman.
Effectiveness of soft tissue massage and exercise for the treatment of non-specific shoulder pain: a systematic review with meta-analysis
Authors: van den Dolder Paul Andrew , Ferreira Paulo H , Refshauge Kathryn M
Published: July 2012

Objective

To determine the effectiveness of exercise and soft tissue massage either in isolation or in combination for the treatment of non-specific shoulder problems.

Methods

Database searches for articles from 1966 to December 2011 were performed. Studies were eligible if they investigated ‘hands on’ soft tissue massage performed locally to the shoulder or exercises aimed at improving strength, range of motion or coordination; non-surgical painful shoulder disorders; included participants aged 18–80 years and outcomes measured included pain, disability, range of motion, quality of life, work status, global perceived effect, adverse events or recurrence.

Results

Twenty-three papers met the selection criteria representing 20 individual trials. We found low-quality evidence that soft tissue massage was effective for producing moderate improvements in active flexion and abduction range of motion, pain and functional scores compared with no treatment, immediately after the cessation of treatment. Exercise was shown by meta-analysis to produce greater improvements than placebo, minimal or no treatment in reported pain (weighted mean=9.8 of 100, 95% CI 0.6 to 19.0) but these changes were of a magnitude that was less than that considered clinically worthwhile. Exercise did not produce greater improvements in shoulder function than placebo, minimal or no treatment (weighted mean=5.7 of 100, 95% CI −3.3 to 14.7).

Conclusion

There is low-quality evidence that soft tissue massage is effective for improving pain, function and range of motion in patients with shoulder pain in the short term. Exercise therapy is effective for producing small improvements in pain but not in function or range of motion.
Bimodal collagen fibril diameter distributions direct age-related variations in tendon resilience and resistance to rupture
Authors: Goh K. L. , Holmes D. F. , Lu Y. , Purslow P. P. , Kadler K. E. , Bechet D. , Wess T. J.
Published: July 2012

Scaling relationships have been formulated to investigate the influence of collagen fibril diameter ( D) on age-related variations in the strain energy density of tendon. Transmission electron microscopy was used to quantify D in tail tendon from 1.7- to 35.3-mo-old (C57BL/6) male mice. Frequency histograms of D for all age groups were modeled as two normally distributed subpopulations with smaller ( DD1) and larger ( DD2) mean Ds, respectively. Both DD1 and DD2 increase from 1.6 to 4.0 mo but decrease thereafter. From tensile tests to rupture, two strain energy densities were calculated: 1) uE [from initial loading until the yield stress (σ Y)], which contributes primarily to tendon resilience, and 2) uF [from σ Y through the maximum stress (σ U) until rupture], which relates primarily to resistance of the tendons to rupture. As measured by the normalized strain energy densities uE/σ Y and uF/σ U, both the resilience and resistance to rupture increase with increasing age and peak at 23.0 and 4.0 mo, respectively, before decreasing thereafter. Multiple regression analysis reveals that increases in uE/σ Y (resilience energy) are associated with decreases in DD1 and increases in DD2, whereas uF/σ U (rupture energy) is associated with increases in DD1 alone. These findings support a model where age-related variations in tendon resilience and resistance to rupture can be directed by subtle changes in the bimodal distribution of Ds.
Dynamic micro- and macrovascular remodeling in coronary circulation of obese Ossabaw pigs with metabolic syndrome
Authors: Trask Aaron J. , Katz Paige S. , Kelly Amy P. , Galantowicz Maarten L. , Cismowski Mary J. , West T. Aaron , Neeb Zachary P. , Berwick Zachary C. , Goodwill Adam G. , Alloosh Mouhamad , Tune Johnathan D. , Sturek Michael , Lucchesi Pamela A.
Published: July 2012

Previous studies from our laboratory showed that coronary arterioles from type 2 diabetic mice undergo inward hypertrophic remodeling and reduced stiffness. The aim of the current study was to determine if coronary resistance microvessels (CRMs) in Ossabaw swine with metabolic syndrome (MetS) undergo remodeling distinct from coronary conduit arteries. Male Ossabaw swine were fed normal ( n = 7, Lean) or hypercaloric high-fat ( n = 7, MetS) diets for 6 mo, and then CRMs were isolated and mounted on a pressure myograph. CRMs isolated from MetS swine exhibited decreased luminal diameters (126 ± 5 and 105 ± 9 μm in Lean and MetS, respectively, P < 0.05) with thicker walls (18 ± 3 and 31 ± 3 μm in Lean and MetS, respectively, P < 0.05), which doubled the wall-to-lumen ratio (14 ± 2 and 30 ± 2 in Lean and MetS, respectively, P < 0.01). Incremental modulus of elasticity (IME) and beta stiffness index (BSI) were reduced in CRMs isolated from MetS pigs (IME: 3.6 × 106 ± 0.7 × 106 and 1.1 × 106 ± 0.2 × 106 dyn/cm2 in Lean and MetS, respectively, P < 0.001; BSI: 10.3 ± 0.4 and 7.3 ± 1.8 in Lean and MetS, respectively, P < 0.001). BSI in the left anterior descending coronary artery was augmented in pigs with MetS. Structural changes were associated with capillary rarefaction, decreased hyperemic-to-basal coronary flow velocity ratio, and augmented myogenic tone. MetS CRMs showed a reduced collagen-to-elastin ratio, while immunostaining for the receptor for advanced glycation end products was selectively increased in the left anterior descending coronary artery. These data suggest that MetS causes hypertrophic inward remodeling of CRMs and capillary rarefaction, which contribute to decreased coronary flow and myocardial ischemia. Moreover, our data demonstrate novel differential remodeling between coronary micro- and macrovessels in a clinically relevant model of MetS.
Outcomes of Restrictive Cardiomyopathy in Childhood and the Influence of Phenotype
Authors: Webber Steven A. , Lipshultz Steven E. , Sleeper Lynn A. , Lu Minmin , Wilkinson James D. , Addonizio Linda J. , Canter Charles E. , Colan Steven D. , Everitt Melanie D. , Jefferies John Lynn , Kantor Paul F. , Lamour Jacqueline M. , Margossian Renee , Pahl Elfriede , Rusconi Paolo G. , Towbin Jeffrey A.
Published: July 2012

Background—

Restrictive cardiomyopathy (RCM) has been associated with poor prognosis in childhood. The goal of the present analysis was to use the Pediatric Cardiomyopathy Registry to analyze outcomes of childhood RCM, with a focus on the impact of phenotype comparing pure RCM with cases that have additional features of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM).

Methods and Results—

We analyzed the Pediatric Cardiomyopathy Registry database (1990–2008; N=3375) for cases of RCM. Cases were defined as pure when RCM was the only assigned diagnosis. Additional documentation of HCM at any time was used as the criterion for RCM/HCM phenotype. RCM accounted for 4.5% of cases of cardiomyopathy. In 101 (66%), pure RCM was diagnosed; in 51 (34%), there was a mixed phenotype. Age at diagnosis was not different between groups, but 10% of the pure RCM group was diagnosed in infancy versus 24% of the RCM/HCM group. Freedom from death was comparable between groups with 1-, 2-, and 5-year survival of RCM 82%, 80%, and 68% versus RCM/HCM 77%, 74%, and 68%. Transplant-free survival was 48%, 34%, and 22% and 65%, 53%, and 43%, respectively (
P
=0.011). Independent risk factors at diagnosis for lower transplant-free survival were heart failure (hazard ratio 2.20,
P
=0.005), lower fractional shortening
z
score (hazard ratio 1.12 per 1 SD decrease in
z
score,
P
=0.014), and higher posterior wall thickness in the RCM/HCM group only (hazard ratio 1.32,
P
<0.001). Overall, outcomes were worse than for all other forms of cardiomyopathy.

Conclusions—

Transplant-free survival is poor for RCM in childhood. Survival is independent of phenotype; however, the RCM/HCM phenotype has significantly better transplant-free survival.

Clinical Trials Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique Identifier: NCT00005391.
The Translation of History into Economics
Authors: MacMullen Ramsay
Published: July 2012

In Economic Origins of Roman Christianity, as in their earlier works, Robert B. Ekelund, Jr., and Robert D. Tollison propose the forcing of history into the once-favored rational-agent template of economics, as an aid to a better understanding. Their terminology of choice amounts to translation, applied in a novel way. In the circle of Ekelund and Tollison, this approach has given rise in recent decades to an active social-scientific sub-specialty. Since, however, in translation much is lost, why resort to it as a tool of science?
Using metagenomic analyses to estimate the consequences of enrichment bias for pathogen detection
Authors: Pettengill James B , McAvoy Eugene , White James R , Allard Marc , Brown Eric , Ottesen Andrea
Published: July 2012

Background

Enriching environmental samples to increase the probability of detection has been standard practice throughout the history of microbiology. However, by its very nature, the process of enrichment creates a biased sample that may have unintended consequences for surveillance or resolving a pathogenic outbreak. With the advent of next-generation sequencing and metagenomic approaches, the possibility now exists to quantify enrichment bias at an unprecedented taxonomic breadth.

Findings

We investigated differences in taxonomic profiles of three enriched and unenriched tomato phyllosphere samples taken from three different tomato fields (n = 18). 16S rRNA gene meteganomes were created for each of the 18 samples using 454/Roche’s pyrosequencing platform, resulting in a total of 165,259 sequences. Significantly different taxonomic profiles and abundances at a number of taxonomic levels were observed between the two treatments. Although as many as 28 putative Salmonella sequences were detected in enriched samples, there was no significant difference in the abundance of Salmonella between enriched and unenriched treatments.

Conclusions

Our results illustrate that the process of enriching greatly alters the taxonomic profile of an environmental sample beyond that of the target organism. We also found evidence suggesting that enrichment may not increase the probability of detecting a target. In conclusion, our results further emphasize the need to develop metagenomics as a validated culture independent method for pathogen detection.
Characterisation of a natural variant of the γ-butyrolactone signalling receptor
Authors: Gottelt Marco , Hesketh Andrew , Bunet Robert , Puri Pranav , Takano Eriko
Published: July 2012

Background

The control of antibiotic production in Streptomyces coelicolor A3(2) involves complicated regulatory networks with multiple regulators controlling the expression of antibiotic biosynthetic pathways. One such regulatory network is that of the γ-butyrolactones, the so-called S. coelicolor butanolide (SCB) system. The γ-butyrolactones in this system serve as signalling molecules and bind to the receptor protein ScbR, releasing the repression of its target genes. The resulting expression changes affect the production of the two pigmented antibiotics Act and Red, as well as the transcription of the cpk antibiotic biosynthesis gene cluster and the synthesis of the γ-butyrolactones themselves.

Results

We identified a natural variant of ScbR in S. coelicolor (ScbRM600) that differs from ScbR in the genome-sequenced strain M145 (ScbRM145) by a single amino acid change, R120S. ScbRM600 is impaired in its DNA binding ability and alters the expression of the pathway-specific regulatory genes of the red and cpk antibiotic biosynthesis gene clusters. Also, expression of the γ-butyrolactone biosynthesis gene scbA and production of the signalling molecules is slightly reduced.

Conclusions

The γ-butyrolactone receptor, ScbR, plays a key role in the SCB regulatory cascade and in determining the onset of the expression of the antibiotic regulatory genes.
Survival horrors, survival spaces: Tracing the modern zombie (cine)myth
Authors: Browning John Edgar
Published: July 2012

Richard Matheson's novel I Am Legend (1954) is most notably remembered as being among the first works of fiction to graft the vampire and zombie mythos with dystopian elements. However, two of the novel's principal narratological features – namely, the fortified home or
enclosure (i.e. the 'survival space') and infectious, undead millions, both of which have since remained staples in nearly every subsequent zombie narrative – have gone relatively unnoted. Thus, prompting this article are two things. First and foremost is the need to map out the structural
principia upon which modern zombies have generally come to be defined. Second, and perhaps more crucial, is the need to resituate the (terato)genesis of the modern zombie cinemyth to Matheson's novel, which has been obscured or devalued over time by the work of George Romero and an
ever-increasing body of films and video games that, like Romero's films, have appropriated these two essential elements of Matheson's work. My contention, however, is not to diminish the significance of Romero's filmic work and its impact on zombie cinema, but to recognize, rather, both Matheson's
and Romero's respective configurations of the zombie mythos that have helped to institute the particular tropes with which film-makers and video game designers have embodied and continue to embody the figure of the zombie. For, it seems to me, and this shall be the chief position of this article,
that the intricacies of the multi - rather than singly defended 'survival space' that Romero introduces in Night of the Living Dead (1968) have not only afforded the zombie subgenre its longevity, but more crucially, offer us the most compelling conceptual tool with which
to trace the zombie?s trajectory in popular culture and media.
Extracorporeal Treatment for Thallium Poisoning
Authors: Ghannoum Marc , Nolin Thomas D. , Goldfarb David S. , Roberts Darren M. , Mactier Robert , Mowry James B. , Dargan Paul I. , MacLaren Robert , Hoegberg Lotte C. , Laliberté Martin , Calello Diane , Kielstein Jan T. , Anseeuw Kurt , Winchester James F. , Burdmann Emmanuel A. , Bunchman Timothy E. , Li Yi , Juurlink David N. , Lavergne Valery , Megarbane Bruno , Gosselin Sophie , Liu Kathleen D. , Hoffman Robert S.
Published: July 2012

Background

The EXtracorporeal TReatments In Poisoning (EXTRIP) workgroup was formed to provide recommendations on the use of extracorporeal treatment (ECTR) in poisoning. To test and validate its methods, the workgroup reviewed data for thallium (Tl).

Methods

After an extensive search, the co-chairs reviewed the articles, extracted the data, summarized findings, and proposed structured voting statements following a predetermined format. A two-round modified Delphi method was chosen to reach a consensus on voting statements and RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method to quantify disagreement. Blinded votes were compiled, returned, and discussed during a conference call. A second vote determined the final recommendations.

Results

Forty-five articles met inclusion criteria. Only case reports and case series were identified, yielding a very low quality of evidence for all recommendations. Data on 74 patients, including 11 who died, were abstracted. The workgroup concluded that Tl is slightly dialyzable and made the following recommendations: ECTR is recommended in severe Tl poisoning (1D). ECTR is indicated if Tl exposure is highly suspected on the basis of history or clinical features (2D) or if the serum Tl concentration is >1.0 mg/L (2D). ECTR should be initiated as soon as possible, ideally within 24–48 hours of Tl exposure (1D), and be continued until the serum Tl concentration is <0.1 mg/L for a minimal duration of 72 hours (2D).

Conclusion

Despite Tl’s low dialyzability and the limited evidence, the workgroup strongly recommended extracorporeal removal in the case of severe Tl poisoning.