bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High-Intensity Warm-Ups: Effects During Subsequent Intermittent Exercise
Authors: Zois James , Bishop David , Aughey Rob
Published: November 2014

High-intensity, short-duration warm-up techniques improve acute physical performance, but sparse research has examined their consequence when followed by intermittent activity, which is pertinent to team sports. The authors compared a 5-repetition-maximum (5RM) leg-press, a small-sided game (SSG), and a current team-sport warm-up in 10 semiprofessional soccer players after 2 intermittent-activity protocols consisting of 15 repetitions of a 60-s circuit that included sprinting, slalom, walking, jogging, decelerations, changes of direction, backward running, and striding activities. There was a large improvement in countermovement-jump height in the 5RM after the 1st intermittent-activity protocol (mean, ±90% CL 6.0, ±4.0%, P = .03) and a small improvement after the 2nd (4.6, ±4.0%, P = .04) compared with team sport. Reactive agility was moderately faster via 5RM after the 1st intermittent-activity protocol (3.1, ±2.6%: P = .04) and the 2nd (5.7, ±2.7%, P = .001) than via SSG. There was a small improvement in reactive agility after the 1st intermittent-activity protocol in the 5RM, compared with team sport (3.3, ±2.9%, P = .04). There was a small improvement in mean 20-m-sprint times after both intermittent-activity protocols in the 5RM, compared with SSG (4.2, ±2.0%, P = .01, and 4.3, ±2.0%, P = .01) and, after the 1st intermittent-activity protocol only, compared with team sport (4.2, ±2.1%, P = 0.02). Small increases in blood lactate concentration were observed (46.7, ±18.6%, P = .01) in the 5RM compared with the SSG after the 2nd intermittent-activity protocol. Improved performances after the 5RM warm-up should encourage practitioners to reduce activity time and include high-intensity tasks in team-sport warmups aimed at inducing a potentiating effect.
Directed ortho-meta′- and meta-meta′
-
dimetalations: A template base approach to deprotonation
Authors: Martínez-Martínez Antonio J. , Kennedy Alan R. , Mulvey Robert E. , O’Hara Charles T.
Published: November 2014

The regioselectivity of deprotonation reactions between arene substrates and basic metalating agents is usually governed by the electronic and/or coordinative characteristics of a directing group attached to the benzene ring. Generally, the reaction takes place in the ortho position, adjacent to the substituent. Here, we introduce a protocol by which the metalating agent, a disodium-monomagnesium alkyl-amide, forms a template that extends regioselectivity to more distant arene sites. Depending on the nature of the directing group, ortho-meta′ or meta-meta′ dimetalation is observed, in the latter case breaking the dogma of ortho metalation. This concept is elaborated through the characterization of both organometallic intermediates and electrophilically quenched products.
For science, impact of Republican win may be muted
Authors: Mervis Jeffrey , Malakoff David
Published: November 2014

Congress could still act on some research-related issues despite worsening relations with the White House.
Biosystems nanotechnology: Big opportunities in the science of the small
Authors: Levine Alaina G.
Published: November 2014

The science of the very small is big business these days, as nanotechnology becomes a huge part of multiple sectors. In particular, scientists, engineers, and clinicians who endeavor to better understand how nanotechnology can impact biological systems—through the use of biosensors, biopharmaceuticals, and biomaterials—are finding abundant opportunities to pursue these investigations in multiple environments. Across the globe, demand is high in biosystems nanotechnology for professionals who speak the language of engineering and biology and have skill sets that include collaborating on diverse teams.

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Hidden features of human hotspots
Authors: de Massy Bernard
Published: November 2014

Multiple flavors of genetic changes occur at meiotic recombination sites

[Also see Research Article by

Pratto
et al.

]
Isolation of autophagosome subpopulations after induction of autophagy by calcium
Authors: Chen Xi , Li Lin-Jie , Zheng Xiao-Yu , Shen Hong-Qiang , Shang Shi-Qiang
Published: November 2014

Autophagy is a dynamic process accomplished by the generation and maturation of autophagosomes. Isolation of autophagosomes and subsequent compositional analysis can provide information about their biogenesis mechanism. In this article, HEK293 cells expressing GFP-LC3 were treated by calcium phosphate precipitates (CPP) to induce autophagy. The autophaogomes induced by CPP were tubular and vesicular structures, extensively formed in the cytosol. After all membranes in the cell lysate were fractionated by differential centrifugation, autophagosomes from light and heavy membranes were isolated by immuno-precipitation, using antibodies against GFP-LC3 and Atg5. We found that GFP-LC3 and Atg5 positive autophagosomes represented distinctive subpopulations. Judged from the molecular markers associated, including organelle markers and Atg proteins, GFP-LC3 positive autophagosomes were overall at the later biogenetic stage. Furthermore, both GFP-LC3 and Atg5 positive autophagosomes from light membranes were less mature than those from heavy membranes. We have established a method to isolate subpopulations of autophagsomes for further characterization.
Quantifying decoherence effect of photon-modulated squeezed vacuum states
Authors: Wang Zhen , Jiang Kai , Li Heng-Mei , Yuan Hong-Chun
Published: November 2014

In this paper, we theoretically put forward the photon-modulated squeezed vacuum states (PMSVS) by applying photon-modulated operator on squeezed vacuum states. Starting from the normally ordered density operator as well as the technique of integration within an ordered product of operators, the normalization constant is obtained, which is related to the Legendre polynomials. In addition, by deriving the normally ordered density operator and Wigner function of PMSVS in laser channel and thermal channel, the decoherence process is discussed, respectively. The investigations may provide experimentalists with some better references in quantum control and building optimal strategies to suppress decoherence.
EVALUATING CYCLIC PELVIC MOVEMENT IN PATIENTS WITH ACETABULAR LABRAL TEARS: A CASE-CONTROLLED PILOT STUDY
Authors: Tanaka Martin L. , Stubbs Allston J. , Holst David C. , Long Benjamin L.
Published: November 2014

Acetabular labral tears are a common cause of hip pain, but specific diagnosis can be difficult due to limitations in current physical examination techniques and radiographic imaging. Pelvic dynamics were captured in 18 participants (10 labral tear patients) who performed single leg squats and stance exercises. Comparisons were made between the pathologic and non-pathologic legs of patients and between patients and controls. The analysis of bilateral symmetry showed significant differences in most parameters implying unique patient compensatory dynamics. Bilateral symmetry was found to be significant in detecting differences in movement patterns and may become a useful tool for clinical evaluation.
Experimental Analysis of Damping and Tribological Characteristics of Nano-CuO Particle Mixed Lubricant in Ball Bearings
Authors: Prakash E. , Sivakumar K.
Published: November 2014

Experimental analysis of damping capacity and tribological characteristics of nano CuO added Servosystem 68 lubricant is attempted. CuO nano particles were synthesized by aqueous precipitation method and characterized. Prior to dispersion into lubricant, CuO nano particles were coated with 0.2 wt.% surfactant (Span-80) to stabilize the nano fluid. Tribological characteristics of particle added lubricant were tested in ASTM D 4172 four ball wear tester. Scanning electron microscopy test results of worn surfaces of nano CuO particle added lubricant were smoother than base lubricant. The particle added lubricant was applied in a new ball bearing and three defected ball bearings. When particle added lubricant was used, the ball defected bearing's vibration amplitude was reduced by 21.94% whereas it was 16.46% for new bearing and was ≤ 11% for other defected bearings. The formation of protection film of CuO over ball surface and regime of full film lubrication near the ball zone were observed to be reason for improved damping of vibrations.
Localized adenosine signaling provides fine-tuned negative feedback over a wide dynamic range of neocortical network activities
Authors: Wall Mark J. , Richardson Magnus J. E.
Published: November 2014

Although the patterns of activity produced by neocortical networks are now better understood, how these states are activated, sustained, and terminated still remains unclear. Negative feedback by the endogenous neuromodulator adenosine may potentially play an important role, as it can be released by activity and there is dense A1 receptor expression in the neocortex. Using electrophysiology, biosensors, and modeling, we have investigated the properties of adenosine signaling during physiological and pathological network activity in rat neocortical slices. Both low- and high-rate network activities were reduced by A1 receptor activation and enhanced by block of A1 receptors, consistent with activity-dependent adenosine release. Since the A1 receptors were neither saturated nor completely unoccupied during either low- or high-rate activity, adenosine signaling provides a negative-feedback mechanism with a wide dynamic range. Modeling and biosensor experiments show that during high-rate activity increases in extracellular adenosine concentration are highly localized and are uncorrelated over short distances that are certainly < 500 μm. Modeling also predicts that the slow rise of the purine waveform cannot be from diffusion from distal release sites but more likely results from uptake and metabolism. The inability to directly measure adenosine release during low-rate activity, although it is present, is probably a consequence of small localized increases in adenosine concentration that are rapidly diminished by diffusion and active removal mechanisms. Saturation of such removal mechanisms when higher concentrations of adenosine are released results in the accumulation of inosine, explaining the strong purine signal during high-rate activity.
Maintaining Oxygenation Successfully with High Flow Nasal Cannula during Diagnostic Bronchoscopy on a Postoperative Lung Transplant Patient in the Intensive Care
Authors: Diab Sara , Fraser John F.
Published: November 2014

Bronchoscopy is an important diagnostic and therapeutic intervention for a variety of patients displaying pulmonary pathology. The heterogeneity of the patients undergoing bronchoscopy affords a challenge for providing minimal and safe respiratory support during anesthesia. Currently, options are intubation and general anesthesia versus frequently inadequate sedation or local anaesthesia with low flow oxygen through nasal prongs or mouthpiece. The advent of high flow nasal cannula allows the clinician to have a “middle man” that allows high flow oxygen delivery as well as a degree of respiratory support, which in some cases has been noted to be between 3 and 4 cm of continuous positive airway pressure-like effect. There are minimal data analyzing the use of high flow nasal cannula during anesthesia for bronchoscopy. We present a case report of orthotropic lung transplant recipient undergoing diagnostic bronchoscopy whilst being supported with high flow nasal oxygen in the intensive care unit.
Cisplatin-Induced Eosinophilic Pneumonia
Authors: Ideguchi Hideharu , Kojima Keisuke , Hirosako Susumu , Ichiyasu Hidenori , Fujii Kazuhiko , Kohrogi Hirotsugu
Published: November 2014

A 67-year-old man suffering from esophageal cancer was admitted to our hospital complaining of dyspnea and hypoxemia. He had been treated with cisplatin, docetaxel, and fluorouracil combined with radiotherapy. Chest computed tomography revealed bilateral ground-glass opacity, and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid showed increased eosinophils. Two episodes of transient eosinophilia in peripheral blood were observed after serial administration of anticancer drugs before the admission, and drug-induced lymphocyte stimulation test to cisplatin was positive. Thus cisplatin-induced eosinophilic pneumonia was suspected, and corticosteroid was effectively administered. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of cisplatin-induced eosinophilic pneumonia.
Successful Flexible Bronchoscopic Management of Dynamic Central Airway Obstruction by a Large Tracheal Carcinoid Tumor
Authors: Hadda Vijay , Madan Karan , Mohan Anant , Kalai Umasankar , Guleria Randeep
Published: November 2014

Typical carcinoid of the trachea presenting as an endoluminal polypoidal mass is a rare occurrence. Herein, we report a case of a 34-year-old female patient who presented with features of central airway obstruction. Flexible bronchoscopy demonstrated a large pedunculated growth arising from the lower end of the trachea near carina which was flopping in and out of the main tracheal lumen and the proximal right bronchus leading to dynamic airway obstruction. Successful electrosurgical excision (using a snare loop) of the polypoidal growth was performed using the flexible bronchoscope itself. The patient had immediate relief of airway obstruction and histopathological examination of the polyp demonstrated features of typical carcinoid (WHO Grade I neuroendocrine tumor).
Nicotine-Cadmium Interaction Alters Exploratory Motor Function and Increased Anxiety in Adult Male Mice
Authors: Chris Ajonijebu Duyilemi , Adeyemi Adeniyi Philip , Oloruntoba Adekeye Adeshina , Peter Olatunji Babawale , Olakunle Ishola Azeez , Michael Ogundele Olalekan
Published: November 2014

In this study we evaluated the time dependence in cadmium-nicotine interaction and its effect on motor function, anxiety linked behavioural changes, serum electrolytes, and weight after acute and chronic treatment in adult male mice. Animals were separated randomly into four groups of n = 6 animals each. Treatment was done with nicotine, cadmium, or nicotine-cadmium for 21 days. A fourth group received normal saline for the same duration (control). Average weight was determined at 7-day interval for the acute (D1-D7) and chronic (D7-D21) treatment phases. Similarly, the behavioural tests for exploratory motor function (open field test) and anxiety were evaluated. Serum electrolytes were measured after the chronic phase. Nicotine, cadmium, and nicotine-cadmium treatments caused no significant change in body weight after the acute phase while cadmium-nicotine and cadmium caused a decline in weight after the chronic phase. This suggests the role of cadmium in the weight loss observed in tobacco smoke users. Both nicotine and cadmium raised serum Ca2+ concentration and had no significant effect on K+ ion when compared with the control. In addition, nicotine-cadmium treatment increased bioaccumulation of Cd2+ in the serum which corresponded to a decrease in body weight, motor function, and an increase in anxiety.
Chemical Characteristics, Synthetic Methods, and Biological Potential of Quinazoline and Quinazolinone Derivatives
Authors: Asif Mohammad
Published: November 2014

The heterocyclic fused rings quinazoline and quinazolinone have drawn a huge consideration owing to their expanded applications in the field of pharmaceutical chemistry. Quinazoline and quinazolinone are reported for their diversified biological activities and compounds with different substitutions bring together to knowledge of a target with understanding of the molecule types that might interact with the target receptors. Quinazolines and quinazolinones are considered as an important chemical for the synthesis of various physiological significance and pharmacological utilized molecules. Quinazolines and quinazolinone are a large class of biologically active compounds that exhibited broad spectrum of biological activities such as anti-HIV, anticancer, antifungal, antibacterial, antimutagenic, anticoccidial, anticonvulsant, anti-inflammatory, antidepressant, antimalarial, antioxidant, antileukemic, and antileishmanial activities and other activities. Being considered as advantaged scaffold, the alteration is made with different substituent.
Evaluating the Biodeterioration Enzymatic Activities of Fungal Contamination Isolated from Some Ancient Yemeni Mummies Preserved in the National Museum
Authors: Naji Khalid Mohammed , Abdullah Qais Yusuf M. , AL-Zaqri Aida Qaseem M. , Alghalibi Saeed M.
Published: November 2014

Sophisticated mummification using chemical preservation was prevalent in ancient Yemeni civilization as noted in the 4th century B.C. mummies of the National Museum of Yemen, Sana’a, used in this study. Five of these mummies were used to evaluate hydrolytic enzymes produced as a result of fungal contamination. Forty-seven fungal species were isolated, thereby reflecting a high degree of contamination which may have resulted from the poor ventilation and preservation system.Aspergilluswas the most common genus isolated (48.9%). Fifteen isolates exhibited ability to produce cellulase (EC; 3.2.1.4),Aspergillus candidusbeing the highest cellulose-producer. Pectin lyase (PL, EC; 4.2.2.2) and pectin methyl esterase (PME, EC; 3.1.1.11) were produced byTrichoderma hamatum, whereas chitinase (EC; 3.2.1.14) was produced byAspergillus niger. Protease activity was noted by onlyCladosporium herbarum. The higher activities of these fungal hydrolytic enzymes represent the major threats of biodeterioration including deteriorating linen bandages as well as the mummy bodies. Therefore, it is recommended to improve the preservation system of the mummies at the National Museum to minimize the contamination up to the lowest level and protect the mummies from biodeterioration.
FEVR-Like Presentation of Homocystinuria
Authors: Montalvo Lorena A. , Venincasa Vincent D. , Aziz Hassan A. , Hess Ditte , Berrocal Audina M.
Published: November 2014

A male infant with a diagnosis of homocystinuria presented with avascularity of the peripheral retina with a ridge on ophthalmic exam, consistent with a FEVR-like manifestation homocystinuria. Upon follow-up and treatment for homocystinuria, the retinal vascularity improved without the need for prophylactic treatment to the peripheral avascular retina.
Oleanolic Acid Enhances the Beneficial Effects of Preconditioning on PC12 Cells
Authors: Ndlovu Babongile C. , Daniels Willie M. U. , Mabandla Musa V.
Published: November 2014

Preconditioning triggers endogenous protection against subsequent exposure to higher concentrations of a neurotoxin. In this study, we investigated whether exposure to oleanolic acid (OA) enhances the protective effects of preconditioning on PC12 cells exposed to 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA). A concentration response curve was constructed using 6-OHDA (50, 150, 300, and 600 μM). The experiment consisted of 6 groups: untreated, OA only, Group 1: cells treated with 6-OHDA (50 μM) for 1 hour, Group 2: cells treated with 6-OHDA (150 μM) for 1 hour, Group 3: cells treated with 6-OHDA (50 μM) for 30 minutes followed 6 hours later by treatment with 6-OHDA (150 μM) for 30 minutes, and Group 4: cells treated as in group 3 but also received OA immediately after the second 6-OHDA treatment. Cell viability and apoptotic ratio were assessed using the MTT and Annexin V staining tests, respectively. In preconditioned cells, we found that cell viability remained high following exposure to 6-OHDA (150 μM). OA treatment enhanced the protective effects of preconditioning. Similarly, with the annexin V apoptosis test, preconditioning protected the cell and this was enhanced by OA. Therefore, preexposure of PC12 cells to low 6-OHDA concentration can protect against subsequent toxic insults of 6-OHDA and OA enhances this protection.
Waste Management Strategies in an Urban Setting Example from the Tamale Metropolis, Ghana
Authors: Issahaku Ibrahim , Nyame Frank K. , Brimah Abdul Kadiri
Published: November 2014

Tamale, one of the fastest growing cities in Ghana, is faced with daunting challenges in the management of Municipal Solid Waste. A corresponding increase of population and rising quality of life with high rates of resource consumption patterns have led to serious problems of high volumes of waste generated and costs involved. This research was therefore designed to focus on the Municipal Solid Waste Management strategies in Tamale, seeking to assess the performance of newly introduced tricycles for waste collection. The study employed the methodology of administration of questionnaire and interviews. The questionnaire and interviews revealed that there is a relationship in the level of education and how households stored their waste before disposal. There is also a close relationship in the household income level (residential class) and the use of covered plastic waste bins. Most households rated waste collection after the introduction of the tricycle as good followed by very good and satisfactory whilst none were of the view that waste collection was not good. Though there has been an improvement in waste collection after the introduction of the tricycles, there is the need for an integrated approach to waste management where all aspects of waste management are analyzed.
Surgical Ineligibility and Mortality Among Patients With Unprotected Left Main or Multivessel Coronary Artery Disease Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: Waldo Stephen W. , Secemsky Eric A. , O’Brien Cashel , Kennedy Kevin F. , Pomerantsev Eugene , Sundt Thoralf M. , McNulty Edward J. , Scirica Benjamin M. , Yeh Robert W.
Published: November 2014

Background—

Decisions to proceed with surgical versus percutaneous revascularization for multivessel coronary artery disease are often based on subtle clinical information that may not be captured in contemporary registries. The present study sought to evaluate the association between surgical ineligibility documented in the medical record and long-term mortality among patients with unprotected left main or multivessel coronary artery disease undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention.

Methods and Results—

All subjects undergoing nonemergent percutaneous coronary intervention for unprotected left main or multivessel coronary artery disease were identified at 2 academic medical centers from 2009 to 2012. Documentation of surgical ineligibility was assessed through review of electronic medical records. Cox proportional hazard models adjusted for known mortality risk factors were created to assess long-term mortality in patients with and without documentation of surgical ineligibility. Among 1013 subjects with multivessel coronary artery disease, 218 (22%) were deemed ineligible for coronary artery bypass graft surgery. The most common explicitly cited reasons for surgical ineligibility in the medical record were poor surgical targets (24%), advanced age (16%), and renal insufficiency (16%). After adjustment for known risk factors, documentation of surgical ineligibility remained independently associated with an increased risk of in-hospital (odds ratio, 6.26; 95% confidence interval, 2.16–18.15;
P
<0.001) and long-term mortality (hazard ratio, 2.98; 95% confidence interval, 1.88–4.72,
P
<0.001) after percutaneous coronary intervention.

Conclusions—

Documented surgical ineligibility is common and associated with significantly increased long-term mortality among patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention with unprotected left main or multivessel coronary disease, even after adjustment for known risk factors for adverse events during percutaneous revascularization.
Ptyctimous mites (Acari, Oribatida) from the Joint Russian-Vietnamese Biological Expedition (October 2013–April 2014)
Authors: NIEDBAŁA WOJCIECH , ERMILOV SERGEY G.
Published: November 2014

An annotated checklist of ptyctimous mite taxa, collected from the Joint Russian-Vietnamese Biological expedition (October 2013–April 2014) in four forest zones (Dong Nai Biosphere Reserve, Dong Nai Culture and Nature Reserve, Bu Gia Map National Park, Bi Dup—Nui Ba National Park) is provided. It includes 28 species, 16 genera and six families. One new subgenus, Euphthiracarus (Parapocsia) Niedbała subgen. nov., and five new species, Acrotritia paragranulata Niedbała sp. nov., Hoplophthiracarus clavatus Niedbała sp. nov., Steganacarus (Rhacaplacarus) spinus Niedbała sp. nov., Euphthiracarus (Euphthiracarus) quasitakahashii Niedbała sp. nov. and Euphthiracarus (Parapocsia) medius Niedbała sp. nov., are described. Supplementary descriptions of Apoplophora minuscula Niedbała, 2013 (see Niedbała & Ermilov 2013), Arphthicarus parasentus Niedbała, 2000 and Atropacarus (Hoplophorella) stilifer (Hammer, 1961) are presented.
Species boundaries of Pardosa concinna and P. lapponica (Araneae: Lycosidae) in the northern Nearctic: morphology and DNA barcodes
Authors: SIM KATHRIN A. , BUDDLE CHRISTOPHER M. , WHEELER TERRY A.
Published: November 2014

The Holarctic Pardosa lapponica (Thorell, 1872) and the Nearctic P. concinna (Thorell, 1877) are the only North American members of the Pardosa lapponica species-group. The morphological similarity between the two species raises the question of whether or not they should be treated as separate species. To examine the boundary between P. lapponica and P. concinna, morphological and genetic variation within and between the species was analysed. Copulatory organ characters of Nearctic specimens were analysed to determine if additional diagnostic characters exist, and the mtDNA COI region was sequenced to look for species-specific variation. Morphometric analysis of copulatory characters in females (e.g. length of median septum) and males (e.g. embolus length) of both species did not reveal diagnostic characters other than the terminal apophysis. No species-specific genetic patterns were found between the two species. The interspecific similarities in morphology and low genetic divergence between Nearctic specimens of P. lapponica and P. concinna contrasts with high genetic divergence between Palearctic and Nearctic specimens of P. lapponica. The results suggest a comprehensive taxonomic revision is necessary for the P. lapponica species-group.
New data on Empis Linnaeus (Diptera: Empididae) from Iran, with description of a new species of the subgenus Lissempis Bezzi
Authors: KAZERANI FARZANEH , KHAGHANINIA SAMAD , TALEBI ALI ASGHAR , SHAMSHEV IGOR
Published: November 2014

Fourteen species of the genus Empis Linnaeus were collected and identified from Iran. Empis (Lisssempis) guilanensis Kazerani & Shamshev sp. nov. is described and illustrated from Guilan province in north central Iran. The following seven species were recorded from Iran for the first time: E. (Euempis) tessellata Fabricius, 1794; E. (Pachymeria) mediterranea (Loew, 1864); E. (P.) obscuripes (Loew, 1873); E. (Polyblepharis) dedecor Loew, 1869; E. (P.) engeli Chvála, 1999; E. (P.) soror Collin, 1937; E. (P.) spirifera Bezzi, 1909. An identification key to the subgenera and species of Empis from Iran are provided.
Dimensions of Black Identity Predict System Justification
Authors: Shockley Ellie , Wynn Ashley , Ashburn-Nardo Leslie
Published: November 2014

What explains variability in African Americans’ sociopolitical attitudes? System justification theory implicates both high- and low-status groups in the maintenance of the socioeconomic and political system, postulating that individuals are motivated to justify the system. Self-interest offers a simple explanation for system justification among high-status groups. However, system justification among African Americans is less well-understood. Using a socioeconomically diverse sample of 275 Black undergraduates, including traditional as well as older students, the current survey and quantitative analyses further understanding of attitudes toward the system and institutions by linking attitudes with Black identity. Findings revealed that highly identifying as Black negatively predicted system justification but not if one rejects a Black nationalist ideology. Endorsing an assimilation ideology positively predicted system justification. An oppressed minority ideology did not predict system justification but positively predicted trust across institutions (police and local and national government). Finally, the Black nationalist ideology negatively predicted trust in police. These findings reveal the utility of a multidimensional model of Black identity in shedding light on attitudes toward the system and institutions.
Musical communication, emotion regulation and the capacity for attention control: A theoretical model
Authors: Swaine Joel S.
Published: November 2014

In music psychology, studies of emotion regulation are typically about the self-regulation of emotion in, primarily, music listeners. What is missing from the literature is a model of emotion regulation that accounts for both intrinsic (self-generated) and extrinsic (other-generated) processes, which could inform an understanding of how music can be used by one person to extrinsically influence emotion regulation in another. To address this gap, the present article develops a theoretical model of musical communication. Musical communication is conceptualized as a goal-directed process in which one musical participant (the therapist) influences the emotion regulation strategies employed by another (the client). The theory proposes that an important goal of musical communication is to encourage clients to regulate their emotional responses in ways that enhance rather than diminish their capacity to sustain attention. This goal is proposed to be pursued by enabling clients to exercise their ability to sustain attention, and by promoting three processes that serve to enhance their attentional capacity: the utilization of emotional arousal to facilitate sensory processing, the facilitation of emotional motor tendencies, and the reduction of behavioural uncertainty. These propositions are analysed and discussed with a focus on emotion regulation in worry-prone clients.
Physical and biological assessments of the innovative bilayered wound dressing made of silk and gelatin for clinical applications
Authors: Hasatsri Sukhontha , Yamdech Rungnapha , Chanvorachote Pithi , Aramwit Pornanong
Published: November 2014

The physical and biological assessments of the innovative bilayered wound dressing made of silk and gelatin that we have developed previously were performed to evaluate its efficacy for clinical applications. The absorption ability and dehydration rate of the dressing were assessed using the split-thickness skin graft and leg ulcer wound bed models. The bioactivities of the bilayered wound dressing were evaluated. The bilayered dressing showed continuous absorption rate of wound exudate, providing the suitability for the wound with extended inflammation phase. The dehydration rate of the bilayered dressing was comparable to the commercially available dressing of which the moisture maintenance capability is claimed. The bilayered dressing showed good conformability, as can be seen by the homogeneous distribution pattern of bromophenol blue absorbed. In terms of biological activities, the bilayered dressing was less toxic to skin cells than the commercially available dressing. The bilayered dressing was also shown to promote cell migration and collagen production due to the bioactive protein components. We here concluded that the superior properties of the bilayered dressing over the commercially available dressing were the conformability and biological activities to accelerate the wound healing, while the other properties were comparable to those of commercially available dressing. The data obtained in this study would be very useful for the further evaluation of the bilayered dressing in clinical trial.
Participation in High School Sports and Bystander Intentions, Efficacy to Intervene, and Rape Myth Beliefs
Authors: McMahon Sarah
Published: November 2014

Debate exists as to whether male athletes are more prone to commit acts of sexual violence and maintain problematic attitudes about sexual assault. To contribute to the literature on this relationship, this study posed the following research questions: (1) Do those students who participated in high school sports and those who did not differ significantly in their attitudes about sexual violence and willingness to intervene as a bystander? Do these differ among types of rape myths and bystander intervention situations? (2) Within a group of athletes, are there significant differences by gender or type of sport (contact sport vs. non-contact?) To answer these questions, surveys were analyzed with a sample of recent high school graduates the summer before entering college ( N = 3,588). Results indicate that there were only minor differences between those students who participated in high school varsity sports and those who did not. Students who participated in sports had greater acceptance of three out of five types of rape myths, and less willingness to intervene with perpetrators after an assault; however, the effect sizes were small. There were no significant differences for bystander efficacy. The interaction between sport and gender was significant, but contact sport was not. The findings suggest that there may be aspects of male athletic participation in sports that needs to be addressed, yet there also exists the potential for engaging athletes as leaders who can act as prosocial bystanders.
User Violence and Nursing Staff Burnout
Authors: Galián-Muñoz Inmaculada , Ruiz-Hernández Jose Antonio , Llor-Esteban Bartolomé , López-García Cecilia
Published: November 2014

Exposure to patient violence in health staff can lead to the onset of burnout in these workers. The main goal of this investigation is to study how exposure to this kind of violence affects onset of burnout and to appraise the role of job satisfaction as a modulating variable. A descriptive, cross-sectional study was carried out using a self-administered anonymous questionnaire with the nursing staff of all the public hospitals of the Region of Murcia (Spain), obtaining a sample of 1,489 health professionals. From the results obtained, we underline the modulating role of extrinsic job satisfaction in the relationship between nonphysical violence and emotional exhaustion, and the protective effect of job satisfaction on the impact of nonphysical violence and the level of cynicism. No effects of job satisfaction in the relationship between physical violence and burnout were observed. We therefore conclude that experiencing nonphysical aggression has a lower impact on the psychological health of workers who are satisfied with their job, and interventions aimed at increasing these workers’ extrinsic job satisfaction are highly recommended.
Altered basal ganglia functional connectivity in multiple sclerosis patients with fatigue
Authors: Finke C , Schlichting J , Papazoglou S , Scheel M , Freing A , Soemmer C , Pech LM , Pajkert A , Pfüller C , Wuerfel JT , Ploner CJ , Paul F , Brandt AU
Published: November 2014

Background:

Fatigue is one of the most frequent and disabling symptoms in multiple sclerosis, but its pathophysiological mechanisms are poorly understood. It is in particular unclear whether and how fatigue relates to structural and functional brain changes.

Objective:

We aimed to analyse the association of fatigue severity with basal ganglia functional connectivity, basal ganglia volumes, white matter integrity and grey matter density.

Methods:

In 44 patients with relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis and 20 age- and gender-matched healthy controls, resting-state fMRI, diffusion tensor imaging and voxel-based morphometry was performed.

Results:

In comparison with healthy controls, patients showed alteration of grey matter density, white matter integrity, basal ganglia volumes and basal ganglia functional connectivity. No association of fatigue severity with grey matter density, white matter integrity and basal ganglia volumes was observed within patients. In contrast, fatigue severity was negatively correlated with functional connectivity of basal ganglia nuclei with medial prefrontal cortex, precuneus and posterior cingulate cortex in patients. Furthermore, fatigue severity was positively correlated with functional connectivity between caudate nucleus and motor cortex.

Conclusion:

Fatigue is associated with distinct alterations of basal ganglia functional connectivity independent of overall disability. The pattern of connectivity changes suggests that disruption of motor and non-motor basal ganglia functions, including motivation and reward processing, contributes to fatigue pathophysiology in multiple sclerosis.
Prognostic biomarkers of IFNb therapy in multiple sclerosis patients
Authors: Baranzini Sergio E , Madireddy Lohith R , Cromer Anne , D’Antonio Mauro , Lehr Lorenz , Beelke Manolo , Farmer Pierre , Battaglini Marco , Caillier Stacy J , Stromillo Maria L , De Stefano Nicola , Monnet Emmanuel , Cree Bruce AC
Published: November 2014

Background:

Interferon beta (IFNb) reduces relapse frequency and disability progression in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS).

Objectives:

Early identification of prognostic biomarkers of IFNb-treated patients will allow more effective management of MS.

Methods:

The IMPROVE study evaluated subcutaneous IFNb versus placebo in 180 patients with relapsing–remitting MS. Magnetic resonance imaging scans, clinical assessments, and blood samples were obtained at baseline and every 4 weeks from every participant. Thirty-nine biomarkers (32 transcripts; seven proteins) were studied in 155 patients from IMPROVE. Therapeutic response was defined by absence of new combined unique lesions, relapses, and sustained increase in Expanded Disability Status Scale over 1 year. A machine learning approach was used to examine the association between biomarker expression and treatment response.

Results:

While baseline levels of individual genes were relatively poor predictors, combinations of three genes were able to identify subjects with sub-optimal therapeutic responses. The triplet CASP2/IRF4/IRF6, previously identified in an independent dataset, was tested among other combinations. This triplet showed acceptable predictive accuracy (0.68) and specificity (0.88), but had relatively low sensitivity (0.22) resulting in an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.63. Other combinations of biomarkers resulted in AUC of up to 0.80 (e.g. CASP2/IL10/IL12Rb1).

Conclusions:

Baseline expression, or induction ratios, of specific gene combinations correlate with future therapeutic response to IFNb, and have the potential to be prognostically useful.
Natalizumab exerts a suppressive effect on surrogates of B cell function in blood and CSF
Authors: Warnke Clemens , Stettner Mark , Lehmensiek Vera , Dehmel Thomas , Mausberg Anne K , von Geldern Gloria , Gold Ralf , Kümpfel Tania , Hohlfeld Reinhard , Mäurer Mathias , Stangel Martin , Straeten Vera , Limmroth Volker , Weber Thomas , Kleinschnitz Christoph , Wattjes Mike P , Svenningsson Anders , Olsson Tomas , Hartung Hans-Peter , Hermsen Derik , Tumani Hayrettin , Adams Ortwin , Kieseier Bernd C
Published: November 2014

Background:

Natalizumab for multiple sclerosis (MS) increases the risk of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML).

Objective:

We aimed to assess the effect of natalizumab on cellular composition and functional B cell parameters including patients with natalizumab-associated PML ( n=37).

Methods:

Cellular composition by flow cytometry, levels of immunoglobulin (Ig)G/IgM by immunonephelometry, and oligoclonal bands by isoelectric focusing were studied in blood and cerebrospinal fluid.

Results:

In MS patients treated with natalizumab without PML ( n=59) the proportion of CD19+ B cells was higher in blood, but lower in cerebrospinal fluid compared with MS patients not treated with natalizumab ( n=17). The CD4/CD8-ratio in cerebrospinal fluid was lower, and IgG and IgM levels as well as the IgG index dropped in longitudinal samples during natalizumab therapy. Oligoclonal bands persisted, but the total amount of the intrathecally produced IgG fraction, and the polyclonal intrathecal IgG reactivity to measles, rubella, and zoster declined. At the time of diagnosis of PML patients with natalizumab-associated PML had low total IgG levels in blood and cerebrospinal fluid.

Conclusions:

Natalizumab impacts B and T cell distribution and exerts an inhibitory effect on surrogates of B cell function in periphery and in cerebrospinal fluid, potentially contributing to the increased risk of developing PML.
Brain atrophy in natalizumab-treated patients: A 3-year follow-up
Authors: Sastre-Garriga J , Tur C , Pareto D , Vidal-Jordana A , Auger C , Río J , Huerga E , Tintoré M , Rovira A , Montalban X
Published: November 2014

Background:

A pseudoatrophy effect has been held responsible for the lack of net impact of natalizumab on brain volume outcomes in 2-year trials, but no data are available beyond 24 months.

Objective:

We aimed to investigate brain volume dynamics in natalizumab-treated patients in up to 3 years after therapy initiation with clinical correlations.

Methods:

Patients on natalizumab for at least 3 years were clinically assessed 3-monthly. Magnetic resonance imaging scans were performed at baseline and yearly. Brain volume changes were obtained with SIENA. Multivariate models were used to investigate the association between baseline inflammation and changes in brain volume and disability.

Results:

Sixty-two patients with multiple sclerosis were analysed. Mean age and disease duration were 34.7 (SD: 8.3) and 10.4 (SD: 6.6) years. Presence of gadolinium enhancement at baseline was not associated with Expanded Disability Status Scale changes ( p=0.468), but was associated with larger brain volume decreases ( p=0.005) in the first ( p=0.024) and second year ( p=0.019) but not in the third year ( p=0.863). Brain volume changes at 12 and 36 months were marginally associated with disability status at month 12 ( p=0.094) and 36 ( p=0.084), respectively.

Conclusions:

Baseline inflammation affects brain volume measures up to 24 months after natalizumab initiation. A marginal association of brain volume changes with disability is present.
Disruption of the Posterior Medial Network during the Acute Stage of Transient Global Amnesia
Authors: Park Young Ho , Jeong Han-Yeong , Jang Jae-Won , Park So Young , Lim Jae-Sung , Kim Jeong-Youn , Im Chang-Hwan , Ahn Soyeon , Park Seong-Ho , Kim SangYun
Published: November 2014

Acute perturbation of the corticohippocampal circuitry is a primary pathophysiological mechanism underlying transient global amnesia (TGA). With regard to memory, 2 distinct corticohippocampal circuitries potentially exist: the anterior temporal network and the posterior medial network. We used electroencephalography (EEG) spectral analysis to determine which network is disrupted during the acute stage of TGA. Patients with TGA who visited Seoul National University Bundang Hospital within 24 hours after symptom onset were retrospectively identified. Twenty patients underwent EEG twice, once in the acute stage (<24 hours after symptom onset) and once in the resolved stage (>2 months after symptom onset). A fast Fourier transform was applied to compute the spectral power of the 6 frequency bands: delta, theta, alpha, beta 1, beta 2, and gamma. We assumed that the frontocentral and temporal regions belonged to the anterior temporal network, whereas the parieto-occipital regions belonged to the posterior medial network. A paired Student’s t test was used to evaluate the difference in the regional spectral powers in each frequency band between the acute and resolved TGA stages. Compared with the resolved stage, relative theta power in the left parieto-occipital region was increased and relative alpha power in the right parieto-occipital region was reduced during the acute stage of TGA, with a statistical significance of P < .05 (uncorrected). The cortical regions that belonged to the posterior medial network showed alterations of neuronal activity, which reflects disruption of the posterior medial network during the acute stage of TGA.
Ischemic Hepatitis as the Presenting Manifestation of Cardiac Amyloidosis
Authors: Petz Chelsey A. , Todoran Thomas , Rockey Don C.
Published: November 2014

An abrupt elevation in aminotransferases without clear etiology may be attributed to hypoxic hepatitis. Underlying cardiac dysfunction, an important clinical clue, is often overlooked as a cause of hypoxic hepatitis, and understanding the interdependence of the heart and liver is crucial in making this diagnosis. Causes of cardiac dysfunction may include any of many different diagnoses; infiltrative heart disease is a rare cause of cardiac dysfunction, with amyloidosis being the most common among this category of pathologies. More advanced imaging techniques have improved the ability to diagnose infiltrative heart disease, thus allowing quicker diagnosis of conditions such as amyloidosis.
Driving Employee Engagement
Authors: Mishra Karen , Boynton Lois , Mishra Aneil
Published: November 2014

Increasingly, organizations and their public relations professionals are recognizing the importance of strengthening internal communication with employees. Internal communication is important for building a culture of transparency between management and employees, and it can engage employees in the organization’s priorities. This exploratory study uses findings from interviews with public relations executives to explore the growing role that internal communication plays in employee engagement. Executives employ a variety of communication methods, including face-to-face communication, to communicate with employees. The executives’ chosen communication strategies aim to build trust and engagement with employees. In doing so, public relations executives find themselves in an expanded role of fostering employee engagement.
Enacting Criticality in Corporate Disclosure Communication
Authors: Bruce Ian
Published: November 2014

This study examines the genre of the monthly or quarterly commentary document in which managers of investment funds report on their funds to investors. The study aims to provide insights about this disclosure genre for business communication practitioners by examining its conventionalized features and the expression of critical thinking in the evaluative judgments of fund managers. A nonpurposive sample of 30 commentaries from investment funds in North America, the United Kingdom, Australasia and South Africa is rater-analyzed in relation to the social genre/cognitive genre model of Bruce (2008a), which is used as a framework to identify the principal characteristics of the genre. The findings suggest that the fund manager commentary is a relatively formulaic genre with a four-move structure that reports the current performance of the fund and presents its investment strategies and their underlying rationale, based on a critical evaluation of the current state of financial or equity markets.
Communication as a Strategic Tool in Change Processes
Authors: Christensen Marit
Published: November 2014

The aim of the study was to develop, test, and partly validate a set of organizational communication factors for use in an organizational-change setting. Based on literature reviews and pilot interviews, a survey study was conducted using three samples. First, the testing involved construct validation through exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses. Second, the sample was divided into three groups: employees who experienced change, those who had recently had finished a change process, and those who had not experienced any change processes. The communication factors were then examined as predictors of employee assessment of communication in these three groups, respectively. The results of the study indicated eight robust dimensions included in five categories: social contact, central leadership, information, influence, and barriers to improvement. The results of the factor analyses indicated satisfactory reliability and construct validity of the communication factors, and the confirmatory factor analysis revealed a satisfactory model fit.