bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Goal Disruption Theory, Military Personnel, and the Creation of Merged Profiles
Authors: Rosenberg Benjamin D. , Lewandowski Joshua A. , Siegel Jason T.
Published: November 2013

The present study provides an example of the integrated data analysis technique of creating and interpreting merged profiles. By using this approach to merging data sources, we gained unique insight into goal disruption theory (GDT). Qualitative data suggest that military personnel harbor a wide range of desired end-states. Quantitative data support a component of GDT, suggesting that participants who have a strong need for desired end-state displayed greater purposive harm endurance. Interpretation of merged profiles revealed caveats to this relationship, in particular that not all end-states are equally motivating. Results illustrate the benefits of the integrated data analysis technique of creating and interpreting merged profiles. Utilization of the merged profiles illuminated relationships that would not have been exposed otherwise.
From Tribulations to Appreciation
Authors: Croft Alyssa , Dunn Elizabeth W. , Quoidbach Jordi
Published: November 2013

Can experiencing adversity enhance people’s appreciation for life’s small pleasures? To examine this question, we asked nearly 15,000 adults to complete a vignette-based measure of savoring. In addition, we presented participants with a checklist of adverse events (e.g., divorce, death of a loved one) and asked them to indicate whether they had experienced any of these events and, if so, to specify whether they felt they had emotionally dealt with the negative event or were still struggling with it. Although people who were currently struggling with adversity reported a diminished proclivity for savoring positive events, individuals who had dealt with more adversity in the past reported an elevated capacity for savoring. Thus, the worst experiences in life may come with an eventual upside, by promoting the ability to appreciate life’s small pleasures.
Pharyngeal pH alone is not reliable for the detection of pharyngeal reflux events: A study with oesophageal and pharyngeal pH‐impedance monitoring
Authors: Desjardin Marie , Roman Sabine , des Varannes Stanislas Bruley , Gourcerol Guillaume , Coffin Benoit , Ropert Alain , Mion François , Zerbib Frank
Published: November 2013

Background

Pharyngeal pH probes and pH‐impedance catheters have been developed for the diagnosis of laryngo‐pharyngeal reflux.

Objective

To determine the reliability of pharyngeal pH alone for the detection of pharyngeal reflux events.

Methods

24‐h pH‐impedance recordings performed in 45 healthy subjects with a bifurcated probe for detection of pharyngeal and oesophageal reflux events were reviewed. Pharyngeal pH drops to below 4 and 5 were analysed for the simultaneous occurrence of pharyngeal reflux, gastro‐oesophageal reflux, and swallows, according to impedance patterns.

Results

Only 7.0% of pharyngeal pH drops to below 5 identified with impedance corresponded to pharyngeal reflux, while 92.6% were related to swallows and 10.2 and 13.3% were associated with proximal and distal gastro‐oesophageal reflux events, respectively. Of pharyngeal pH drops to below 4, 13.2% were related to pharyngeal reflux, 87.5% were related to swallows, and 18.1 and 21.5% were associated with proximal and distal gastro‐oesophageal reflux events, respectively.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that pharyngeal pH alone is not reliable for the detection of pharyngeal reflux and that adding distal oesophageal pH analysis is not helpful. The only reliable analysis should take into account impedance patterns demonstrating the presence of pharyngeal reflux event preceded by a distal and proximal reflux event within the oesophagus.
Guidelines for the diagnosis, prevention and management of chemical- and radiation-induced cystitis
Authors: Thompson A , Adamson A , Bahl A , Borwell J , Dodds D , Heath C , Huddart R , Mcmenemin R , Patel P , Peters J , Payne H
Published: November 2013

Objective

Haemorrhagic cystitis (HC) is a relatively common complication of chemotherapy and radiotherapy to the pelvic area, but can be a challenging condition to treat, particularly since there is currently a lack of UK-led guidelines available on how it should optimally be defined and managed.

Materials and methods

A comprehensive literature search was undertaken to evaluate the evidence for the diagnosis, prevention and management of cancer treatment-induced HC.

Results

Recommendations and a proposed management algorithm for the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of HC, as well as the management of intractable haematuria, have been developed based on the expert opinion of the multidisciplinary consensus panel following a comprehensive review of the available clinical data.

Conclusion

These guidelines are relevant and applicable to current clinical practice and will help clinicians optimally define and manage this potentially serious condition.
Future Complexity of Care Tier Affected by Depression Outcomes
Authors: Angstman Kurt B. , Meunier Matthew R. , Rohrer James E. , Oberhelman Sara S. , Maxson Julie A. , Rahman Parvez A.S.
Published: November 2013

Background: The inclusion of mental health issues in the evaluation of multimorbidity generally has been as the presence or absence of the condition rather than severity, complexity, or stage. The hypothesis for this study was that clinical outcome of the depression 6 months after enrollment into collaborative care management would have a role in predicting future complexity of care tier. Methods: This study was a retrospective chart review of 1894 primary care patients who were diagnosed with major depressive disorder or dysthymia as of December 2012. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to test the independent associations between each variable and the odds of being included in the higher tiers (HT) group. Results: Age (odds ratio [OR] = 1.022, confidence interval [CI] = 1.013-1.030, P < .001), female gender (OR = 1.380, CI = 1.020-1.868, P = .037), being married (OR = 0.730, CI = 0.563-0.947, P = .018), and the presence of comorbidities (1, OR = 1.986, CI = 1.485-2.656, P < .001; ≥2, OR = 4.678, CI = 3.242-6.750, P < .001) were independently associated with future HT levels. The presence of persistent depressive symptoms (PHQ-9 ≥10) at 6 months conferred 2.280 (CI = 1.673-3.107, P < .001) times likely odds of HT level compared with clinical remission at 6 months. Conclusion: Patients with the diagnosis of major depression or dysthymia had greater odds of complex tier levels in the future, if depression was not treated to remission by 6 months. This study demonstrated the importance of the goal of significant improvement (ie, remission) of depression symptoms by 6 months (especially those older patients with more comorbidity) from entering into the higher complexity tiers.
Cooperative transcriptional repression by BCL6 and BACH2 in germinal center B-cell differentiation
Authors: Huang Chuanxin , Geng Huimin , Boss Isaac , Wang Ling , Melnick Ari
Published: November 2013

Key Points

BCL6 and BACH2 cooperatively regulate GC B-cell development. The cooperative action of BCL6 and BACH2 is through both transcriptional and biochemical mechanisms.
Inhibition of thrombotic properties of persistent autoimmune anti-β2GPI antibodies in the mouse model of antiphospholipid syndrome
Authors: Kolyada Alexey , Porter Andrew , Beglova Natalia
Published: November 2013

Key Points

A1-A1 inhibits thrombotic properties of anti-β2GPI antibodies in mice. A1-A1 does not affect thrombus size in the absence of anti-β2GPI antibodies.
Comprehensive analysis of MHC class II genes in teleost fish genomes reveals dispensability of the peptide-loading DM system in a large part of vertebrates
Authors: Dijkstra Johannes M , Grimholt Unni , Leong Jong , Koop Ben F , Hashimoto Keiichiro
Published: November 2013

Background

Classical major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II molecules play an essential role in presenting peptide antigens to CD4+ T lymphocytes in the acquired immune system. The non-classical class II DM molecule, HLA-DM in the case of humans, possesses critical function in assisting the classical MHC class II molecules for proper peptide loading and is highly conserved in tetrapod species. Although the absence of DM-like genes in teleost fish has been speculated based on the results of homology searches, it has not been definitively clear whether the DM system is truly specific for tetrapods or not. To obtain a clear answer, we comprehensively searched class II genes in representative teleost fish genomes and analyzed those genes regarding the critical functional features required for the DM system.

Results

We discovered a novel ancient class II group (DE) in teleost fish and classified teleost fish class II genes into three major groups (DA, DB and DE). Based on several criteria, we investigated the classical/non-classical nature of various class II genes and showed that only one of three groups (DA) exhibits classical-type characteristics. Analyses of predicted class II molecules revealed that the critical tryptophan residue required for a classical class II molecule in the DM system could be found only in some non-classical but not in classical-type class II molecules of teleost fish.

Conclusions

Teleost fish, a major group of vertebrates, do not possess the DM system for the classical class II peptide-loading and this sophisticated system has specially evolved in the tetrapod lineage.
The M3 phosphorylation motif has been functionally conserved for intracellular trafficking of long-looped PIN-FORMEDs in the Arabidopsis root hair cell
Authors: Sasayama Daisuke , Ganguly Anindya , Park Minho , Cho Hyung-Taeg
Published: November 2013

Background

PIN-FORMED (PIN) efflux carriers contribute to polar auxin transport and plant development by exhibiting dynamic and diverse asymmetrical localization patterns in the plasma membrane (PM). Phosphorylation of the central hydrophilic loop (HL) of PINs has been implicated in the regulation of PIN trafficking. Recently, we reported that a phosphorylatable motif (M3) in the PIN3-HL is necessary for the polarity, intracellular trafficking, and biological functions of PIN3. In this study, using the root hair system for PIN activity assay, we investigated whether this motif has been functionally conserved among long-HL PINs.

Results

Root hair-specific overexpression of wild-type PIN1, 2, or 7 greatly inhibited root hair growth by depleting auxin levels in the root hair cell, whereas overexpression of M3 phosphorylation-defective PIN mutants failed to inhibit root hair growth. Consistent with this root hair phenotype, the PM localization of M3 phosphorylation-defective PIN1 and PIN7 was partially disrupted, resulting in less auxin efflux and restoration of root hair growth. Partial formation of brefeldin A-compartments in these phosphorylation-mutant PIN lines also suggested that their PM targeting was partially disrupted. On the other hand, compared with the PIN1 and PIN7 mutant proteins, M3-phosphorylation-defective PIN2 proteins were almost undetectable. However, the mutant PIN2 protein levels were restored by wortmannin treatment almost to the wild-type PIN2 level, indicating that the M3 motif of PIN2, unlike that of other PINs, is implicated in PIN2 trafficking to the vacuolar lytic pathway.

Conclusions

These results suggest that the M3 phosphorylation motif has been functionally conserved to modulate the intracellular trafficking of long-HL PINs, but its specific function in trafficking has diverged among PIN members.
Design of the PRINCESS trial: pre-hospital resuscitation intra-nasal cooling effectiveness survival study (PRINCESS)
Authors: Nordberg Per , Taccone Fabio Silvio , Castren Maaret , Truhlár Anatolij , Desruelles Didier , Forsberg Sune , Hollenberg Jacob , Vincent Jean-Louis , Svensoon Leif
Published: November 2013

Background

Therapeutic hypothermia (TH, 32-34°C) has been shown to improve neurological outcome in comatose survivors of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) with ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation. Earlier initiation of TH may increase the beneficial effects. Experimental studies have suggested that starting TH during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) may further enhance its neuroprotective effects. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether intra-arrest TH (IATH), initiated in the field with trans nasal evaporative cooling (TNEC), would provide outcome benefits when compared to standard of care in patients being resuscitated from OHCA.

Methods/design

We describe the methodology of a multi-centre, randomized, controlled trial comparing IATH delivered through TNEC device (Rhinochill, Benechill Inc., San Diego, CA, USA) during CPR to standard treatment, including TH initiated after hospital admission. The primary outcome is neurological intact survival defined as cerebral performance category 1–2 at 90 days among those patients who are admitted to the hospital. Secondary outcomes include survival at 90 days, proportion of patients achieving a return to spontaneous circulation (ROSC), the proportion of patients admitted alive to the hospital and the proportion of patients achieving target temperature (<34°C) within the first 4 hours since CA.

Discussion

This ongoing trial will assess the impact of IATH with TNEC, which may be able to rapidly induce brain cooling and have fewer side effects than other methods, such as cold fluid infusion. If this intervention is found to improve neurological outcome, its early use in the pre-hospital setting will be considered as an early neuro-protective strategy in OHCA.

Trial registration

NCT01400373.
Effects of a six-month intradialytic physical ACTIvity program and adequate NUTritional support on protein-energy wasting, physical functioning and quality of life in chronic hemodialysis patients: ACTINUT study protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Magnard Justine , Deschamps Thibault , Cornu Christophe , Paris Anne , Hristea Dan
Published: November 2013

Background

Protein-energy wasting (PEW) is common in hemodialysis patients and is a powerful predictor of morbidity and mortality. Although much progress has been made in recent years in identifying the causes and pathogenesis of PEW in hemodialysis patients, actual management by nutritional interventions is not always able to correct PEW. Some investigators suggest that physical exercise may increase the anabolic effects of nutritional interventions, and therefore may have a potential to reverse PEW. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of intra-dialytic progressive exercise training and adequate nutritional supplementation on markers of PEW, functional capacities and quality of life of adult hemodialysis patients.

Methods and design

Fifty end-stage renal disease patients undergoing hemodialysis, who meet the diagnostic criteria for PEW, will be randomly allocated into an exercise or control group for 6 months. The exercise consists of a progressive submaximal individualized cycling exertion using an adapted cycle ergometer, during the three weekly dialysis sessions. Biological markers of nutrition (albumin, prealbumin) will be followed monthly and all patients will be assessed for body composition, walk function, muscle strength, postural stability and quality of life at baseline and during the eighth week (t+2), the sixteenth week (t+4) and the twenty-fourth week (t+6) of the 6-month adapted rehabilitation program.

Discussion

The successful completion of this current trial may give precious clues in understanding PEW and encourage nephrologists to extend prescription of exercise programs as well as therapeutic and as preventive interventions in this high-risk population.

Trial registration

The protocol for this study was registered with the France Clinical Trials Registry NCT01813851.
RUNX2, GPX3 and PTX3 gene expression profiling in cumulus cells are reflective oocyte/embryo competence and potentially reliable predictors of embryo developmental competence in PCOS patients
Authors: Huang Xin , Hao Cuifang , Shen Xiaofang , Zhang Yuhua , Liu Xiaoyan
Published: November 2013

Background

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine and metabolic disorder in women. The developmental competence of oocytes and embryos in PCOS patients is reduced to a certain extent (comparing to non-PCOS patients, the high quality embryo rate was decreased by 16% from the data of our centre) during the in vitro fertilization (IVF) process. Cross-talk between the oocyte and cumulus cells is critical for oocyte maturation and embryo competence. In this study, we have evaluated the transcription of specific genes in cumulus cells harvested from pre-ovulatory follicles of PCOS patients before IVF, according to individual oocyte nuclear maturity and developmental competence. Seven genes (RUNX2, PSAT1, ADAMTS9, CXCL1, CXCL2, CXCL3, and ITGB5) were targeted from our previous cDNA microarray data which isolated genes related to oocyte nuclear maturation in PCOS patients. Two additional genes which had been found to be associated with oocyte maturation or embryo quality in non-PCOS patients (GPX3 and PTX3) were also studied.

Methods

The mRNA expression levels of cumulus cells were detected by qRT- PCR.

Results

Consistent with our previous cDNA microarray data, with the exception of GPX3 and PTX3, the selected 7 genes were related to oocyte nuclear maturation in PCOS patients. Noticeably, the expression level of RUNX2 was lower in cumulus cells derived from oocytes that could develop into blastocysts than the level of expression from oocytes that could not. The PTX3 expression level was significantly lower in cumulus cells from oocytes with two normal pronuclei than that from oocytes that formed >2 pronuclei (MPN) after fertilization. GPX3 mRNA levels were decreased in cumulus cells isolated from oocytes that developed into blastocysts with high potential development competence.

Conclusions

Several cumulus cell genes were associated with oocyte maturation, fertilization and embryo quality in PCOS patients. RUNX2 and GPX3 are candidate genetic markers in the monitoring of embryo quality for PCOS patients, whereas PTX3 mainly played a role in fertilization process. Together with morphological evaluation, cumulus cells genes may serve as biomarkers of oocyte and embryo selection during the IVF process for PCOS patients and may advance our understanding of PCOS.
Large current difference in Au-coated vertical silicon nanowire electrode array with functionalization of peptides
Authors: Kim Ilsoo , Kim So-Eun , Han Sanghun , Kim Hyungsuk , Lee Jaehyung , Jeong Du-Won , Kim Ju-Jin , Lim Yong-beom , Choi Heon-Jin
Published: November 2013

Au-coated vertical silicon nanowire electrode array (VSNEA) was fabricated using a combination of bottom-up and top-down approaches by chemical vapor deposition and complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor process for biomolecule sensing. To verify the feasibility for the detection of biomolecules, Au-coated VSNEA was functionalized using peptides having a fluorescent probe. Cyclic voltammograms of the peptide-functionalized Au-coated VSNEA show a steady-state electrochemical current behavior. Because of the critically small dimension and vertically aligned nature of VSNEA, the current density of Au-coated VSNEA was dramatically higher than that of Au film electrodes. Au-coated VSNEA further showed a large current difference with and without peptides that was nine times more than that of Au film electrodes. These results indicate that Au-coated VSENA is highly effective device to detect peptides compared to conventional thin-film electrodes. Au-coated VSNEA can also be used as a divergent biosensor platform in many applications.
A rare 3q13.31 microdeletion including GAP43 and LSAMP genes
Authors: Gimelli Stefania , Leoni Massimiliano , Di Rocco Maja , Caridi Gianluca , Porta Simona , Cuoco Cristina , Gimelli Giorgio , Tassano Elisa
Published: November 2013

Background

Interstitial deletions affecting the proximal long arm of chromosome 3 have been rarely reported in the literature. The deleted segments vary in localization and size with different breakpoints making genotype-phenotype correlation very difficult. Until now, a girl with a 1.9-Mb interstitial deletion of 3q13.2q13.31 and 14 novel patients with deletions in 3q11q23 have been reported.

Results

Here we report on a 7-year-old girl with neuropsychiatric disorders and renal, vascular and skeletal anomalies. Array-CGH analysis revealed a small rare inherited 3q13.31 deletion containing only two genes, GAP43 and LSAMP. The mutation analysis of the two genes was negative on the other non-deleted chromosome. GAP43 is considered a crucial component for an effective regenerative response in the nervous system and its mRNA is localized exclusively to nerve tissue where the protein is linked to the synaptosomal membrane. LSAMP is a 64- to 68-kD neuronal surface glycoprotein found in cortical and subcortical regions of the limbic system that acts as an adhesion molecule and guides the development of specific patterns of neuronal connection. The deleted region is adjacent to a “desert gene” region extending 2.099 Mb.

Conclusions

We discuss the effects of GAP43 and LSAMP haploinsufficiency, proposing that their deletion may be responsible for the main phenotype. Further cases with similar microdeletion are expected to be diagnosed and will help to better characterize the clinical spectrum of phenotypes associated with 3q13.31 microdeletion.
Genetic structure of Bufo bankorensis distinguished by amplified restriction fragment length polymorphism of cytochrome b
Authors: Chen Chu-Chih , Li Kou-Wei , Yu Teng-Lang , Chen Li-Hsuen , Sheu Pei-Yuan , Tong Yi-Wen , Huang Kao-Jean , Weng Ching-Feng
Published: November 2013

Background

Bufo bankorensis is an endemic species in Taiwan, and its populations are geographically and reproductively isolated. However, the distinction of Taiwanese B. bankorensis as a separate species from the Chinese Bufo gargarizans remains in dispute.

Results

A primer set was designed to explore the mitochondrial (mt)DNA cytochrome (Cyt) b sequence (700 bp) of B. bankorensis in 148 individuals collected from 12 locations in Taiwan. After a polymerase chain reaction and sequencing, we found that the nucleotide sequence of Cyt b contained two restricted enzyme sites of Bam HI and Tsp RI. Following Bam HI enzyme digestion, samples of B. bankorensis were divided into two clades: western (which were undigested) and eastern (which were digested) clades. Additionally, Cyt b of the western clade of B. bankorensis was not cut by Bam HI, while it was cut by Tsp RI into two sublineages. The result infers that at least two broadly divergent phylogroups of B. bankorensis exist in Taiwan and are not morphologically distinguishable. Based on the divergent sequence of Cyt b and cutting restriction enzymes, these populations were classified into three distinct phylogroups.

Conclusion

Genetically, one (western group 1, uncut by Bam HI and cut by Tsp RI) is most likely B. gargarizans, a second one (western group 2, uncut by both Bam HI and Tsp RI) is B. bankorensis, and a third one (eastern clade, cut by Bam HI but not cut by Tsp RI) could be a new subspecies. All three phylogroups were found in some areas, suggesting that they are sympatric, not allopatric.
Effect of Ground Motion Characteristics on Seismic Soil-Foundation-Structure Interaction
Authors: Ghayoomi Majid , Dashti Shideh
Published: November 2013

A series of dynamic centrifuge experiments involving a soil-structure model were performed to investigate the influence of ground motion characteristics on site performance and soil-foundation-structure interaction (SFSI) on medium-dense sand. When investigating kinematic SFSI, the translational component of the foundation motion was observed to de-amplify compared to the free-field in terms of most intensity parameters primarily during intense shaking and at higher frequencies. The building's fundamental rocking frequency was strongly influenced by the predominant frequency of the base motion. When investigating inertial SFSI, increasing the shaking intensity was observed to increase the flexible-base natural period of the structure. Spectral accelerations at the foundation level were significantly amplified near the building's flexible-base natural period. Structural settlements were greater than those in the free-field, and their rate followed the rate of the Arias intensity time history of the base motion. More holistic ground motion parameters, such as Arias and Housner Intensities, demonstrated a strong and consistent influence on SFSI and site performance.
Feeding and Bone Turnover in Gastric Bypass
Authors: Valderas Juan P. , Padilla Oslando , Solari Sandra , Escalona Manuel , González Gilberto
Published: November 2013

Context:

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is associated with high bone turnover. In healthy subjects, feeding causes acute reduction of bone resorption, which is regulated by several intestinal and pancreatic peptides.

Objective:

Our objective was to assess bone turnover after feeding in patients with RYGB.

Design and Setting:

This was a cross-sectional case-control study at a university hospital.

Participants:

Fifteen postmenopausal women who underwent RYGB 7.4 ± 4.1 years previously were matched by age and body mass index with 15 nonoperated women (controls).

Main Outcomes:

Serum PTH, calcium, phosphorus, insulin, carboxy telopeptide (CTX), procollagen type I N-terminal propeptide (P1NP), and glucagon-like peptide 2 (GLP-2) were measured while fasting and after a standard meal (SM).

Results:

The fasting calcium, phosphorus, and PTH were similar in both groups and exhibited similar decreases after an SM. The fasting CTX level was higher in the RYGB than in the control group (0.589 ± 0.18 vs 0.382 ± 0.11 ng/mL; P < .05) and fell to a nadir of 42.2% of the basal value in the RYGB and 53.9% in controls (P < .05). The fasting and postprandial P1NP levels were similar in both groups and fell to a nadir of 85.8% in the RYGB and 89.3% in controls. Insulin and GLP-2 levels were similar during fasting in both groups. RYGB patients had exaggerated postprandial insulin and GLP-2 response compared with the controls with the insulin and GLP-2 area under the curve being significantly higher in the RYGB group. There was a significant negative correlation between the peak of insulin levels and the CTX changes.

Conclusion:

The acute reduction in bone resorption after feeding is preserved in RYGB and is even higher than in nonoperated subjects. This phenomenon is related to the increase of postprandial levels of insulin. These findings suggest a bone-protecting mechanism in RYGB that may counteract the elevated bone resorption that occurs during fasting.
“Never the Same One Twice”: Melodrama and Repetition in Queer as Folk
Authors: Johnson Margaret E.
Published: November 2013

This article argues that the American series Queer as Folk (2000–2005) uses a combination of melodrama and realism to engage the viewer both emotionally and logically in the consideration of current issues significant to the gay community, in particular HIV/AIDS, gay parenting, and drug use and addiction. This hybrid genre draws on the emotional strength of melodrama to help viewers forge connections with characters and draws on the reasoned response that is elicited through realism to create sophisticated interpretations of the program's representations of social and political issues. This melodrama-realism hybrid ultimately establishes these political and social subjects as having vital importance, and the hybrid conveys the complexities of the issues more completely than either mode could do alone, allowing viewers to understand the issues from fresh points of view.
Novel Detection Technique for Particulate Matter in Air Using Metal Mesh Device Sensors
Authors: Seto Hirokazu , Kamba Seiji , Kondo Takashi , Ogawa Yuichi , Hoshino Yu , Miura Yoshiko
Published: November 2013

A novel technique for detection of particulate matter in air using metal mesh devices is proposed. A metal mesh device with square apertures was used as membrane filter and as band-pass filter. Frequency shifts in transmittance spectra of the metal mesh device collected with particulate matter had a linear relationship to the particulate matter concentrations with a high coefficient of determination. When metal mesh devices with different opening lengths were stacked, particulate matter was fractionalized by size.
Severe bilateral amyotrophic neuralgia associated with major dysphagia secondary to acute hepatitis E
Authors: Moisset Xavier , Vitello Nicolas , Bicilli Elodie , Courtin Romain , Ferrier Anna , Taithe Frederic , Lahaye Clément , Hssain Ali Ait , Garrouste Cyril , Pierre Clavelou
Published: November 2013

Introduction:Several acute neurological syndromes can be triggered by immune events. Hepatitis E virus (HEV), an emerging infectious disease, can be one of these triggers.

Case report:We report the case of a 36-year-old man that presented nausea and a dull abdominal pain for a week and then felt an acute neuralgic pain involving both shoulders that lasted for 8 to 10 hours. Immediately after, the patient presented a severe bilateral muscular weakness of the proximal part of both upper limbs, corresponding to an amyotrophic neuralgia. Two days after the shoulder pain, the patient presented a dysphagia necessitating tube feeding.  A blood sample confirmed hepatitis caused by hepatitis E virus (HEV; genotype 3F). Oral feeding resumed progressively after five months. The patient was fully independent for the activities of daily living but was still unable to work after six months.

Conclusion:Amyotrophic neuralgia and hepatitis E are both under-diagnosed. It is noteworthy that HEV can trigger amyotrophic neuralgia. Antiviral drugs, oral steroids and intravenous immunoglobulins can be proposed, but the optimal treatment has  not yet been determined.
Which Brand Purchasers Are Lost to Counterfeiters? An Application of New Data Fusion Approaches
Authors: Qian Yi , Xie Hui
Published: November 2013

Firms and organizations often need to collect and analyze sensitive consumer data. A common problem encountered in such evidence-based research is that they cannot collect all essential information from one sample, and they may need to link nonoverlapping data items across independent samples. We propose an automated nonparametric data fusion solution to this problem. The proposed methods are not restricted to specific types of variables and distributions. They require no prior knowledge about how data at hand may behave differently from standard theoretical distributions, and they automate the process of generating suitable distributions that match data, therefore making our methods particularly useful for linking data with complex distributional shapes. In addition, these methods have strong theoretical support; permit highly efficient direct fusion to relate a mixture of continuous, semicontinuous, and discrete variables; and enable nonparametric identification of entire distributions of fusion variables, including higher moments and tail percentiles. These novel and promising features overcome important limitations of existing methods and have the potential to increase fusion effectiveness. We apply the proposed methods to overcome data constraints in a study of counterfeiting. By combining data sets from multiple sources, data fusion provides a feasible approach to studying the relationship between counterfeit purchases and various marketing elements, such as consumers' purchase motivations, behaviors, and attitudes; brand marketing channels; promotions; and advertisements. Therefore, data fusion sheds light on counterfeit purchase behaviors and suggests ways to counter counterfeits that would not be available if these data sets were analyzed separately.
A Longitudinal Examination of Officer Deaths from Vehicle Pursuits
Authors: Johnson Richard R.
Published: November 2013

Little research has examined the changing dangerousness of police high-speed pursuits over time, especially with regard to the safety of the officer. Using data from all pursuit-related officer deaths in the USA between 1960 and 2011, this study tested the hypothesis that the officer death rate has been decreasing. Least-squares lines were calculated through the data point of each year to estimate trends in officer death rates over time. The findings revealed that the death rate for officers directly involved in pursuits has decreased steadily, as has the death rate for officers manning roadblocks. The death rate for officers deploying spike strips or travelling to assist in the pursuit, however, has been steadily increasing. The findings suggest further development of pursuit policies to address these issues.
Errors in the Identification of Question Types in Investigative Interviews of Children
Authors: Powell Martine B. , Benson Mairi S. , Sharman Stefanie J. , Guadagno Belinda , Steinberg Rebecca
Published: November 2013

This study examined the incidence and nature of the errors made by trainee coders during their coding of question types in interviews in which children disclosed abuse. Three groups of trainees (online, postgraduate and police) studied the coding manual before practising their question coding. After this practice, participants were given two-page field transcripts to code in which children disclosed abuse. Their coding was assessed for accuracy; any errors were analysed thematically. The overall error rate was low, and police participants made the fewest errors. Analysis of the errors revealed four common misunderstandings: (1) the use of a ‘wh’ question always denotes a specific cued-recall question; (2) ‘ Tell me’ always constitutes an open-ended question; (3) open-ended questions cannot include specific detail; and (4) specific questions cannot elicit elaborate responses. An analysis of coding accuracy in the one group who were able to practise question coding over time revealed that practice was essential for trainees to maintain their accuracy. Those who did not practise decreased in coding accuracy. This research shows that trainees need more than a coding manual; they must demonstrate their understanding of question codes through practice training tasks. Misunderstandings about questions need to be elicited and corrected so that accurate codes are used in future tasks.
Murine Whole-Organ Immune Cell Populations Revealed by Multi-epitope-Ligand Cartography
Authors: Eckhardt Jenny , Ostalecki Christian , Kuczera Katarzyna , Schuler Gerold , Pommer Ansgar J. , Lechmann Matthias
Published: November 2013

Multi-epitope-ligand cartography (MELC) is an innovative high-throughput fluorescence microscopy–based method. A tissue section is analyzed through a repeated cycling of (1) incubation with a fluorophore-labeled antibody, (2) fluorescence imaging, and (3) soft bleaching. This method allows staining of the same tissue section with up to 100 fluorescent markers and to analyze their toponomic expression using further image processing and pixel-precise overlay of the corresponding images. In this study, we adapted this method to identify a large panel of murine leukocyte subpopulations in a whole frozen section of a peripheral lymph node. Using the resulting antibody library, we examined non-inflamed versus inflamed tissues of brain and spinal cord in the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) model. The presence and activity of specific leukocyte subpopulations (different T cell subpopulations, dendritic cells, macrophages, etc.) could be assessed and the cellular localizations and the corresponding activation status in situ were investigated. The results were then correlated with quantitative RT-PCR.
A Educação Ambiental e a Gestão Integrada de Recursos Hídricos: subsídios para uma reflexão integrada
Authors: Veiga Bruno Gonzaga Agapito da , Malafaia Guilherme , Castro André Luis da Silva
Published: November 2013

Environmental Education focusing on Integrated Water Resources Management has increasingly grown with the implementation of the Brazilian Water Resources Policy. However, environmental educators have not yet occupied their rightful place in the management and decision making on environmental issues. This is partly due to peculiarities on the field of water resources. These are mainly technical, which limits critical Environmental Education supporting the development of new prospects for sustainable water use. This article therefore seeks to recover the role of environmental education and environmental educators as critical mediators of the processes of water management.
Toxicity of Two Household Liquid Soaps on Poecilia reticulata Peters, 1859
Authors: Lawal Muyideen Owonire , Samuel Olusegun Bamidele , Mogekwu Tochukwu O , Bolaji Dunsin A
Published: November 2013

The relative acute toxicity and sub-lethal effects of two surfactants; Faab liquid soap (FLS) and Morning Fresh liquid soap (MFLS) were evaluated for the Poecilia reticulata in laboratory bioassays. The acute toxicity was evaluated for 96 h while the sub-lethal effects of the two surfactants on the biochemical parameters of P. reticulata were investigated for a 6–day exposure period. The derived toxicity indices showed that the FLS (96hLC50= 0.062ml/L) was 1.37 times more toxic than the MFLS (96hLC50= 0.085ml/L) against P. reticulata. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed significant difference (p<0.05) in the quantal response of P. reticulata to different concentrations of FLS and MFLS at 24, 48, 72 and 96 h of exposure. The mean tissue protein, triglyceride, glucose and cholesterol ranged from (21.04 - 48.54 and 18.06 - 58.54mg/dl), (87.43 - 154.95 and 85.63 - 144.28mg/dl), (33.95 - 55.03 and 32.76 - 53.15mg/dl) and (37.30 - 65.38 and 37.12 - 58.11mg/dl) for FLS and MFLS respectively. ANOVA showed significant difference (p<0.05) in the biochemical response of P. reticulata to FLS and MFLS. The implications of these findings are highlighted.
An identification problem for a semilinear evolution delay equation
Authors: Lorenzi Alfredo , Vrabie Ioan I.
Published: November 2013

We prove the existence, uniqueness and continuous dependence on the data of a mild
solution to an identification problem for a first-order semilinear delay differential equation in a Banach
space subjected to an overdetermination expressed by means of an integral with respect to an absolutely
continuous measure (with respect to the Lebesgue measure). Two applications to some identification
problems, the first one for a parabolic delay equation and the second one for a hyperbolic delay equation,
are also considered.
Nonlinear Load-Displacement Behavior Observed During Fracture Toughness Testing of Aluminum-Beryllium Material
Authors: McKeighan Peter C. , Donald J. Keith , Svilar Mark
Published: November 2013

In fracture toughness testing on beryllium and aluminum-beryllium materials, the load-displacement response exhibits a significant amount of nonlinearity that requires special, nontraditional methods for analysis. This work is directed toward determining what causes this nonlinearity, focusing on plasticity and subcritical crack extension. Plasticity was indirectly assessed by varying the size of the fracture toughness specimen, whereas crack advance was monitored with unloading compliance during the fracture toughness tests. Neither of these influences appears to be the primary contributor to the nonlinearity. Rather, the range of loading employed during precracking influences the load-displacement response of the material. The central, more linear portion of the load-displacement response appears bounded at the low end by the crack opening load and at the high end by the maximum load applied during the terminal stage of precracking. This region of the load-displacement curve represents an alternative to the standard 20 % to 80 % maximum load analysis region. Although using this region for analysis offers the advantage of representing the portion of the curve where the crack is fully open and behaving in an elastic manner, it will likely increase the number of invalid tests as a result of violation of the Pmax/PQ < 1.1 criterion.
A look at the rokorona language
Authors: Birchall Joshua
Published: November 2013

This paper presents an analysis of the only remaining documentation of the Rokorona language, a collection of three prayers published in Teza (1868). First, a survey of the various mentions of Rokorona in the ethno-historical literature is presented, allowing for new insights into the original homeland of these people. Then, a number of phonological and grammatical features of the language are identified based on the texts. These features show that Rokorona displays a number of grammatical properties typical of Chapacuran languages, and when combined with the available lexical data, allow for the language to be definitively classified as such.
Evaluating historical data (wordlists) in the case of bolivian extinct languages
Authors: Danielsen Swintha
Published: November 2013

This article advocates the reanalysis of historical data on extinct languages in the view of our current knowledge on the grammatical characteristics of possibly related languages.The example given here is a corpus of eight Arawakan languages of Bolivia, of which four are already extinct (Apolista, Joaquiniano, Paikoneka, Saraveka). Even though there are only wordlists available for these extinct languages, it is possible to analyze the data in the light of Arawakan grammar.Those aspects that can be excerpted from all data are taken as typological features in a questionnaire used for phylogenetic analyses. The graphs that result from the feature analysis deliver evidence for certain relations between the languages and those that are still spoken today, which again gives us some idea about the migration of the Arawakan languages, in general.
Lengua de los llanos: a northern valley yokuts catechism from misión santa cruz, alta california
Authors: Smith Norval S. H. , Johnson John R.
Published: November 2013

The
The nootka and sandwich vocabularies in the relación de la entrada de san lorenzo de nutka (1789)
Authors: Fernández Rodríguez Rebeca
Published: November 2013

Nootka is an historical fur-trading centre in Yuquot, on the west coast of Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. In 1788, the Spanish king Charles III sent an expedition to Nootka commanded by Ignacio Arteaga (1731-1783). A year later, Spain established a military post, San Lorenzo de Nutka, at Yuquot in 1789 which existed until 1795. The missionaries who arrived with the sailors were urged to learn the vernacular languages in order to evangelize. In chapter 5 of the
Alternative splicing, promoter methylation, and functional SNPs of sperm flagella 2 gene in testis and mature spermatozoa of Holstein bulls
Authors: Guo F , Yang B , Ju Z H , Wang X G , Qi C , Zhang Y , Wang C F , Liu H D , Feng M Y , Chen Y , Xu Y X , Zhong J F , Huang J M
Published: November 2013

The sperm flagella 2 (SPEF2) gene is essential for development of normal sperm tail and male fertility. In this study, we characterized first the splice variants, promoter and its methylation, and functional single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of theSPEF2gene in newborn and adult Holstein bulls. Four splice variants were identified in the testes, epididymis, sperm, heart, spleen, lungs, kidneys, and liver tissues through RT-PCR, clone sequencing, and western blot analysis. Immunohistochemistry revealed that theSPEF2was specifically expressed in the primary spermatocytes, elongated spermatids, and round spermatids in the testes and epididymis.SPEF2-SV1was differentially expressed in the sperms of high-performance and low-performance adult bulls;SPEF2-SV2presents the highest expression in testis and epididymis;SPEF2-SV3was only detected in testis and epididymis. An SNP (c.2851G>T) in exon 20 ofSPEF2, located within a putative exonic splice enhancer, potentially producedSPEF2-SV3and was involved in semen deformity rate and post-thaw cryopreserved sperm motility. The luciferase reporter and bisulfite sequencing analysis suggested that the methylation pattern of the core promoter did not significantly differ between the full-sib bulls that presented hypomethylation in the ejaculated semen and testis. This finding indicates that sperm quality is unrelated toSPEF2methylation pattern. Our data suggest that alternative splicing, rather than methylation, is involved in the regulation ofSPEF2expression in the testes and sperm and is one of the determinants of sperm motility during bull spermatogenesis. The exonic SNP (c.2851G>T) produces aberrant splice variants, which can be used as a candidate marker for semen traits selection breeding of Holstein bulls.
Bidirectional Associations Between Mothers’ and Fathers’ Parenting Consistency and Child BMI
Authors: Jansen Pauline W. , Giallo Rebecca , Westrupp Elizabeth M. , Wake Melissa , Nicholson Jan M.
Published: November 2013

BACKGROUND:

Research suggests that general parenting dimensions and styles are associated with children’s BMI, but directionality in this relationship remains unknown. Moreover, there has been little attention to the influences of both mothers’ and fathers’ parenting. We aimed to examine reciprocal relationships between maternal and paternal parenting consistency and child BMI.

METHODS:

Participants were 4002 children and their parents in the population-based Longitudinal Study of Australian Children. Mothers and fathers self-reported parenting consistency, and children’s BMI was measured at 4 biennial waves starting at age 4 to 5 years in 2004. Bidirectionality between parenting and child BMI was examined by using regression analyses in cross-lagged models.

RESULTS:

The best-fitting models indicated a modest influence from parenting to child BMI, whereas no support was found for bidirectional influences. For mothers, higher levels of parenting consistency predicted lower BMI in children from Waves 1 to 2 and 3 to 4; for example, for every SD increase in mothers’ parenting consistency at Wave 1, child BMIz fell by 0.025 in Wave 2 (95% confidence interval: −0.05 to −0.003). For fathers, higher levels of parenting consistency were associated with lower child BMI from Waves 1 to 2 and 2 to 3.

CONCLUSIONS:

Parenting inconsistency of mothers and fathers prospectively predicted small increases in offspring BMI over 2-year periods across middle childhood. However, child BMI did not appear to influence parenting behavior. These findings support recent calls for expanding childhood overweight interventions to address the broad parenting context while involving both mothers and fathers.