bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Classical Ethylene Insensitive Mutants of the Arabidopsis EIN2 Orthologue Lack the Expected ‘hypernodulation’ Response in Lotus japonicusF
Authors: Chan Pick Kuen , Biswas Bandana , Gresshoff Peter M.
Published: March 2013

Three independent ethylene insensitive mutants were selected from an EMS‐ mutagenized population of Lotus japonicus MG‐20 (Miyakojima). The mutants, called ‘Enigma’, were mutated in the LjEIN2a gene from Lotus chromosome 1, sharing significant homology with Arabidopsis EIN2 (ethylene‐insensitive2). All three alleles showed classical ethylene insensitivity phenotypes (e.g., Triple Response), but lacked the increased nodulation phenotype commonly associated with ethylene insensitivity. Indeed, all showed a marginal reduction in nodule number per plant, a phenotype that is enigmatic to sickle, an ethylene‐insensitive EIN2 mutant in Medicago truncatula. In contrast to wild type, but similar to an ETR1‐1 ethylene ethylene‐insensitive transgenic of L. japonicus, enigma mutants formed nodules in between the protoxylem poles, demonstrating the influence of ethylene on radial positioning. Suppression of nodule numbers by nitrate and colonisation by mycorrhizal fungi in the enigma‐1 mutant were indistinguishable from the wild‐type MG‐20. However, reflecting endogenous ethylene feedback, the enigma‐1 mutant released more than twice the wild‐type amount of ethylene. enigma‐1 had a moderate reduction in growth, greater root mass (and lateral root formation), delayed flowering and ripening, smaller pods and seeds. Expression analysis of ethylene‐regulated genes, such as ETR1, NRL1 (neverripe‐like 1), and EIL3 in shoots and roots of enigma‐1 and MG‐20 illustrated that the ethylene‐insensitive mutation strongly affected transcriptional responses in the root. These mutants open the possibility that EIN2 in L. japonicus, a determinate nodulating legume, acts in a more complex fashion possibly through the presence of a duplicated copy of LjEIN2.
Condom‐use intentions and the influence of partner‐related barriers among women at risk for HIV
Authors: Bonacquisti Alexa , Geller Pamela A
Published: March 2013

Aims and objectives

To examine intentions to engage in condom use and potential partner‐related barriers to condom use, including intimate partner violence (IPV), low levels of sexual relationship power and perceptions of monogamy, among women at risk for HIV.

Background

In the United States, women account for approximately one in four new HIV infections. Despite the effectiveness of consistent condom use, women often confront biological, cultural and psychosocial barriers that limit their ability to engage in condom‐use.

Design

Cross‐sectional, quantitative study.

Methods

Participants (N = 90) were recruited from a domestic violence shelter, a domestic violence support organisation and an obstetrics/gynaecology clinic in Philadelphia, PA. Data were collected by questionnaires to assess women's condom‐use intentions, actual condom‐use behaviour, sexual partner risk factors, experience of IPV, level of sexual relationship power and perceptions of monogamy.

Results

Fifty‐eight per cent of participants (n = 52) indicated a difference between their preference and intentions to use condoms vs. their actual use, with 62% (n = 32) using condoms less frequently than they would like. Significant differences in condom use emerged for women with low vs. high sexual relationship power and women who reported being in a monogamous relationship vs. those who did not. Of particular concern, a majority of these relationships were with high‐risk partners, further increasing women's already elevated risk of acquiring HIV.

Conclusions

Condom use is a multifaceted issue, particularly in sexual relationships involving power differentials and perceived monogamy. Condom use was complicated by women's own preferences, sexual relationship power differentials and by the perceived exclusivity of the relationship with their sexual partners.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

These findings have important implications for nurses as they are uniquely positioned to facilitate HIV risk reduction among their patients through the discussion of sexual health issues and barriers to negotiating condom use that women may confront.
Exploring creativity and critical thinking in traditional and innovative problem‐based learning groups
Authors: Chan Zenobia CY
Published: March 2013

Aims and objectives

To explore students' attitude towards problem‐based learning, creativity and critical thinking, and the relevance to nursing education and clinical practice.

Background

Critical thinking and creativity are crucial in nursing education. The teaching approach of problem‐based learning can help to reduce the difficulties of nurturing problem‐solving skills. However, there is little in the literature on how to improve the effectiveness of a problem‐based learning lesson by designing appropriate and innovative activities such as composing songs, writing poems and using role plays.

Design

Exploratory qualitative study.

Methods

A sample of 100 students participated in seven semi‐structured focus groups, of which two were innovative groups and five were standard groups, adopting three activities in problem‐based learning, namely composing songs, writing poems and performing role plays. The data were analysed using thematic analysis.

Results

There are three themes extracted from the conversations: ‘students’ perceptions of problem‐based learning', ‘students’ perceptions of creative thinking' and ‘students’ perceptions of critical thinking'. Participants generally agreed that critical thinking is more important than creativity in problem‐based learning and clinical practice. Participants in the innovative groups perceived a significantly closer relationship between critical thinking and nursing care, and between creativity and nursing care than the standard groups.

Conclusions

Both standard and innovative groups agreed that problem‐based learning could significantly increase their critical thinking and problem‐solving skills. Further, by composing songs, writing poems and using role plays, the innovative groups had significantly increased their awareness of the relationship among critical thinking, creativity and nursing care.

Relevance to clinical practice

Nursing educators should include more types of creative activities than it often does in conventional problem‐based learning classes. The results could help nurse educators design an appropriate curriculum for preparing professional and ethical nurses for future clinical practice.
Novel software for quantitative evaluation and graphical representation of masticatory efficiency
Authors: Halazonetis D. J. , Schimmel M. , Antonarakis G. S. , Christou P.
Published: March 2013

Blending of chewing gums of different colours is used in the clinical setting, as a simple and reliable means for the assessment of chewing efficiency. However, the available software is difficult to use in an everyday clinical setting, and there is no possibility of automated classification of the patient's chewing ability in a graph, to facilitate visualisation of the results and to evaluate potential chewing difficulties. The aims of this study were to test the validity of ViewGum – a novel image analysis software for the evaluation of boli derived from a two‐colour mixing ability test – and to establish a baseline graph for the representation of the masticatory efficiency in a healthy population. Image analysis demonstrated significant hue variation decrease as the number of chewing cycles increased, indicating a higher degree of colour mixture. Standard deviation of hue (SDHue) was significantly different between all chewing cycles. Regression of the log‐transformed values of the medians of SDHue on the number of chewing cycles showed a high statistically significant correlation (r2 = 0·94, P < 0·01). ViewGum eliminates drawbacks of previous two‐colour chewing gum test methods by the simplicity of its application. The newly developed ViewGum software provides speed, ease of use and immediate extraction of clinically useful conclusions to the already established method of chewing efficiency evaluation and is a valid adjunct for the evaluation of masticatory efficiency with two‐colour chewing gum.
Residual newborn screening samples for research: Parental information needs for decision‐making
Authors: Rothwell Erin , Clark Lauren , Anderson Rebecca , Botkin Jeffrey R.
Published: March 2013

Purpose.

The purpose of this research was to identify what types of information expectant parents want to make a decision about the use of their babies' residual dried blood specimens for research.

Design and Methods.

Three focus groups were conducted with pregnant women and their partners and one focus group with prenatal healthcare providers and educators.

Results.

Eleven categories of information needs were identified within each focus group.

Practice Implications.

Providing sufficient information for parents to make informed choices will be essential to future research with residual dried blood specimens and to maintain public trust with the growing applications of this important public health program.
Evolution of glomerular filtration rate in HIV‐infected, HIV–HBV‐coinfected and HBV‐infected patients receiving tenofovir disoproxil fumarate
Authors: Pradat P. , Le Pogam M.‐A. , Okon J.‐B. , Trolliet P. , Miailhes P. , Brochier C. , Maynard M. , Bailly F. , Zoulim F. , Cotte L.
Published: March 2013

We aimed to compare the evolution of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in HIV‐, HIV–HBV‐ and HBV‐infected patients treated with tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF). Three groups of patients receiving TDF > 12 months were recruited: 194 HIV‐infected patients, 85 HIV–HBV‐coinfected patients and 50 HBV‐infected patients. eGFR was estimated using the Modification of the Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) equation. Multivariate regression models were constructed to estimate factors associated with eGFR decrease from baseline. A total of 329 patients were studied. Median follow‐up was 2.7 years. Median eGFR decrease was −4.9 (−16.6 to +7.2) mL/min/1.73 m2. After multivariate stepwise regression analysis, age (P = 0.0002), non‐African origin (P < 0.0001), baseline eGFR (P < 0.0001) and TDF duration (P = 0.02) were associated with eGFR decrease in the whole population, while hypertension, diabetes and type of infection were not. Age (P < 0.0001), non‐African origin (P = 0.0004), baseline eGFR (P < 0.0001) and TDF duration (P = 0.007) remained associated with eGFR decline in HIV and HIV–HBV‐infected patients, while other variables including HIV risk factor, CDC stage, CD4 and HIV‐RNA levels were not. Age (P = 0.03), non‐African origin (P = 0.004), baseline eGFR (P < 0.0001) and baseline HBV–DNA > 2000 IU/mL (P = 0.04) were associated with eGFR decline in HBV and HIV–HBV‐infected patients, while other variables including HBV risk factor and fibrosis stage were not. Estimated glomerular filtration rate decline under TDF therapy appears mainly associated with older age, non‐African origin, higher baseline eGFR and longer TDF administration but not with the type of viral infection. Regular follow‐up of renal function, especially tubular function is recommended during TDF therapy.
Linkages between primary seed dispersal, hydrochory and flood timing in a semi‐arid region river
Authors: Kehr Jacqueline M. , Merritt David M. , Stromberg Juliet C.
Published: March 2013

Questions

Are seed release and hydrochory of riparian plants coupled with seasonal flood pulses for a river with bimodal flows? What phenological hydrochore guilds are present? How representative of riparian vegetation are hydrochores? What is the role of hydrochory in riparian plant community composition in arid land streams?

Location

Verde River, central Arizona, USA.

Methods

We recorded phenology of flowering and primary seed dispersal monthly for >100 riparian plant species, seined hydrochores 12 times during the growing season, sampled the extant plant community, and collected soil seed bank samples. Emergence of seedlings from hydrochore and soil samples was monitored for 1 yr in a greenhouse. Plant species were classified as to wetland indicator status and assessed for traits including life span, growth form and seed mass.

Results

Flowering and primary seed dispersal at the community level was bimodal for dryland species but more constant through time for wetland species. Numbers and richness of wetland hydrochores were high during the three floods that occurred in the atypical study year, while dryland species pulsed during a single flood. Three of 56 hydrochore taxa were vernal flood specialists, characterized by a spring hydrochore pulse during their period of seed release, and one was associated with summer floods. Another six were phenological generalists, with hydrochores constant or semi‐constant through time (including before and after primary dispersal) and persistent soil seed banks. Hydrochorous species spanned a wide range of traits, but overall had smaller seeds and higher wetland affinity than extant riparian vegetation.

Conclusions

As with other regions, hydrochory in dryland rivers is governed by the individual and combined influences of extrinsic factors, such as seasonal flow patterns and hydraulics, and intrinsic factors, such as timing of seed release and seed traits. Floods at different times during the season disperse distinct guilds, emphasizing the importance of flow variability for structuring riparian plant communities. Identifying temporal flood specialists and flood generalists is important, both for informing environmental flow regimes and for understanding patterns of plant distribution. The phenological dispersal plasticity of the generalist hydrochore species allows for adaptability to varying flow conditions and likely contributes to their broad geographic distributions.
Of outrage and misunderstanding: Ireland v United Kingdom – governmental perspectives on an inter-state application under the European Convention on Human Rights
Authors: Bonner David
Published: March 2013

This examination of this case from the perspectives afforded by State Papers in the respective National Archives shows the anger felt in British political and official circles reflected in its reaction, strategy and tactics. It illuminates the roles of the Commission of Human Rights in seeking to effect a friendly settlement. The case enabled Ireland at relatively little cost to do, and to be very visibly seen to be doing, something to help the Nationalist minority community in Northern Ireland, thus fulfilling a role as its protector and assuaging an outraged Irish public opinion, while furthering just governance in Northern Ireland and promoting unification by consent.
The Circulation of Oscar Wilde’s Prose and Poems in Japan (1868–1926)
Authors: Chen Qi
Published: March 2013

This essay investigates the circulation of Oscar Wilde’s prose and poems in Japan from the late Meiji period to the end of Taisho period,1 examining the diverse Japanese readings and adaptations of Wilde: a dangerous socialist, a modern poet, a sentimental humanist and essayist, a decadent aesthete, and a martyr to beauty.
“E.T.A. Hoffmann’s Romantic Tale ‘Der Sandmann’ or The Pathology of a Migraine”
Authors: Spreizer Christa
Published: March 2013

Much critical literature on E.T.A. Hoffmann’s tale “Der Sandmann” centers around whether the young physics student Nathanael is suffering from some neurotic, psychological malady due to a childhood trauma, or whether a series of supernatural events have targeted him to lead a tortuous and ultimately tortured existence at the hands of the monstrous Coppelius, aka The Sandman. Other scholars analyze this Romantic tale as a reaction to an historical present rather than within abstract or strictly psychoanalytic principles, more specifically, the influence of Bamberg, a center of medical and psychiatric research and practice, on Hoffmann’s works. I wish to continue this line of inquiry by looking at the tale from a more modern medical perspective: Nathanael’s bouts of madness may have a physical or neurological rather than purely psychological basis which would have gone unnoticed during the early 1800s. I believe Hoffmann’s intricate narrative on Romantic conceptions of the artist, society, sickness and healing, outlines the pathology of a patient suffering from a variety of symptoms associated with “migraine with aura.”“Der Sandmann” should be included among works exhibiting descriptive evidence of migraine experience. This would provide a new contextual orientation for the tale and also further illustrate the progress and limitations of Romantic era psychiatric practices in its confrontations with reason, unreason, and madness.
Fall, classification, and exposure history of the Mifflin L5 chondrite
Authors: Kita Noriko T. , Welten Kees C. , Valley John W. , Spicuzza Michael J. , Nakashima Daisuke , Tenner Travis J. , Ushikubo Takayuki , MacPherson Glenn J. , Welzenbach Linda , Heck Philipp R. , Davis Andrew M. , Meier Matthias M. M. , Wieler Rainer , Caffee Marc W. , Laubenstein Matthias , Nishiizumi Kunihiko
Published: March 2013

The Mifflin meteorite fell on the night of April 14, 2010, in southwestern Wisconsin. A bright fireball was observed throughout a wide area of the midwestern United States. The petrography, mineral compositions, and oxygen isotope ratios indicate that the meteorite is a L5 chondrite fragmental breccia with light/dark structure. The meteorite shows a low shock stage of S2, although some shock‐melted veins are present. The U,Th‐He age is 0.7 Ga, and the K‐Ar age is 1.8 Ga, indicating that Mifflin might have been heated at the time of the 470 Ma L‐chondrite parent body breakup and that U, Th‐He, and K‐Ar ages were partially reset. The cosmogenic radionuclide data indicate that Mifflin was exposed to cosmic rays while its radius was 30–65 cm. Assuming this exposure geometry, a cosmic‐ray exposure age of 25 ± 3 Ma is calculated from cosmogenic noble gas concentrations. The low 22Ne/21Ne ratio may, however, indicate a two‐stage exposure with a longer first‐stage exposure at high shielding. Mifflin is unusual in having a low radiogenic gas content combined with a low shock stage and no evidence of late stage annealing; this inconsistency remains unexplained.
Extensive paternal mtDNA leakage in natural populations of Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Nunes Maria D. S. , Dolezal Marlies , Schlötterer Christian
Published: March 2013

Strict maternal inheritance is considered a hallmark of animal mtDNA. Although recent reports suggest that paternal leakage occurs in a broad range of species, it is still considered an exceptionally rare event. To evaluate the impact of paternal leakage on the evolution of mtDNA, it is essential to reliably estimate the frequency of paternal leakage in natural populations. Using allele‐specific real‐time quantitative PCR (RT‐qPCR), we show that heteroplasmy is common in natural populations with at least 14% of the individuals carrying multiple mitochondrial haplotypes. However, the average frequency of the minor mtDNA haplotype is low (0.8%), which suggests that this pervasive heteroplasmy has not been noticed before due to a lack of power in sequencing surveys. Based on the distribution of mtDNA haplotypes in the offspring of heteroplasmic mothers, we found no evidence for strong selection against one of the haplotypes. We estimated that the rate of paternal leakage is 6% and that at least 100 generations are required for complete sorting of mtDNA haplotypes. Despite the high proportion of heteroplasmic individuals in natural populations, we found no evidence for recombination between mtDNA molecules, suggesting that either recombination is rare or recombinant haplotypes are counter‐selected. Our results indicate that evolutionary studies using mtDNA as a marker might be biased by paternal leakage in this species.
Anterior segment changes following short‐term reading and its correlation with corneal biomechanical characteristics
Authors: Niyazmand Hamed , Ostadi Moghaddam Hadi , Sedaghat Mohammad Reza , Ahmadi Hosseini Seyed Mahdi , Abolbashari Fereshteh
Published: March 2013

Purpose

To investigate the changes in anterior segment following short‐term reading and evaluate the correlation of such changes with corneal biomechanical characteristics (CBC).

Methods

Thirty‐six right eyes of 36 healthy subjects were examined. Anterior segment parameters were measured using the Pentacam before and after 30 min of reading. Ocular Response Analyzer was used to record CBC after reading. The following were recorded: central corneal thickness (CCT), central corneal power (CCP), superior corneal power (SCP), inferior corneal power (ICP), anterior chamber depth (ACD), anterior chamber volume (ACV), anterior chamber angle (ACA), corneal hysteresis (CH) and corneal resistance factor (CRF). Statistical analysis was performed with the paired student t‐test and Pearson correlation test in SPSS 16.

Results

There were statistically significant decreases in CCP, SCP, ACD and ACV values following reading (p < 0.05). Our results showed a statistically significant negative correlation between CH and changes in ICP (r = 0.36, p = 0.02). Significant negative correlations were also found between CRF and changes in ICP (r = 0.41, p = 0.01) and SCP (r = 0.34, p = 0.04). On the other hand, statistical analysis indicated no correlation between CBC and other studied parameters (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

This study demonstrated significant changes in some anterior segment parameters after reading. Being knowledgeable about these changes may have important implications in high accuracy examinations such as pre‐operative assessment of corneal refractive surgery candidates. This could also help researchers have a better understanding of the factors that may influence near work related development of refractive errors.
Photoimmunosuppression: a brief overview
Authors: Gibbs Neil K. , Norval Mary
Published: March 2013

Exposure to ultraviolet radiation can lead to suppression of many adaptive immune responses, both to antigens encountered within a short period of the irradiation (primary) and to antigens previously encountered (memory). The pathways involved are complex and not completely elucidated. This brief review summarizes the information available currently regarding the multiple steps involved, with the aim of providing a general overview of the main aspects of photoimmunosuppression and its clinical consequences.
Current status of photoprotection by window glass, automobile glass, window films, and sunglasses
Authors: Almutawa Fahad , Vandal Robert , Wang Steven Q. , Lim Henry W.
Published: March 2013

Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) has known adverse effects on the skin and eyes. Practitioners are becoming more aware of the importance of outdoor photoprotection. However, little attention is directed to the exposure of the skin and eyes to UVR through the window glass or sunglasses. The amount of ultraviolet transmission through glass depends mainly on the type of the glass. All types of commercial and automobile glass block the majority of ultraviolet‐B; however, the degree of ultraviolet‐A transmission depends on the type of glass. Laminated glass offers better UVA protection than tempered glass; new safety regulations for automobiles may result in increased use of laminated glass for side windows. Window films can be applied to glass to increase UVR protection. Sunglasses need to be compliant with one of the national standards; a wraparound style or side shields offer the best protection. Increased understanding by practitioners on the transmission of UVR through glass, window films, and sunglasses would allow them to better educate the public and to better manage photosensitive patients.
Interoperability of 300 watt and 150 watt xenon arc solar simulators in sun protection factor and in UVA protection factor clinical testing
Authors: Martinez Alexa , Roberts Glenn , Garzarella Katherine , Lutz Michael , Caswell Michael
Published: March 2013

Background

The purpose of these clinical trials was to determine if 300 W and 150 W xenon arc solar simulators (SSs) deliver the same sun protection factor (SPF) and UVA protection factor (PFA).

Methods

First, the SPF of the P7 control standard and of the P2 control standard was determined, testing 20 subjects using the method described in the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Final Monograph and using 150 W and 300 W SSs. In the second clinical trial, the PFA of the Japanese Cosmetic Industry Association (JCIA) control standard and of the P2 control standard was determined, testing 10 subjects using the method described in the JCIA Technical Bulletin and using 150 W and 300 W SSs.

Results

The SPF values for P7 control standard determined using the 150 W and 300 W SSs were 4.54 ± 0.35 and 4.61 ± 0.32, respectively. The SPF values for P2 control standard determined using the 150 W and 300 W SSs were 17.0 ± 0.9 and 16.7 ± 0.9, respectively. The resultant PFA values for JCIA control standard determined using the 150 W and 300 W SSs were 4.06 ± 0.70 and 4.06 ± 0.70, respectively. The resultant PFA values for P2 control standard determined using the 150 W and 300 W SSs were 3.28 ± 0.25 and 3.44 ± 0.39, respectively.

Conclusion

As the values are essentially identical for SPF and for PFA, the 150 W and 300 W SSs can be used interchangeably for SPF and PFA determinations.
The effectiveness of early treatment in segmental vitiligo: retrospective study according to disease duration
Authors: Park Ji‐Hye , Park Se Won , Lee Dong‐Youn , Lee Joo‐Heung , Yang Jun‐Mo
Published: March 2013

Segmental vitiligo (SV) is usually characterized by a unilateral‐dermatomal distribution, earlier onset and rapid progression followed by stabilization. The response to phototherapy in patients with SV is limited. We evaluated the treatment response in 39 cases of SV according to disease duration. Ten cases (50.0%) of Group 1 (duration ≤ 5 months) and five cases (26.3%) of Group 2 (duration > 5 months) showed more than 50% repigmentation. Contrary to previous reports, patients in our study responded well to medical treatments like oral steroids, topical calcineurin inhibitors and phototherapy when treated early after onset. The results suggest that early treatment is important.
Place Marketing as Governance Strategy: An Assessment of Obstacles in Place Marketing and Their Effects on Attracting Target Groups
Authors: Eshuis Jasper , Braun Erik , Klijn Erik‐Hans
Published: March 2013

Place marketing is increasingly being used as a governance strategy for managing perceptions about regions, cities, and towns. What are the most important obstacles to implementing place marketing? Based on a survey of 274 public managers involved in place marketing in the Netherlands, this article analyzes the main obstacles as perceived by public managers. It also analyzes the effects of obstacles on perceived results of place marketing in terms of attracting target groups. A factor analysis of a variety of obstacles investigated in the survey shows three clearly demarcated obstacles: administrative obstacles within municipalities, obstacles in developing the substance of marketing campaigns, and political obstacles. Obstacles in developing the substance of the marketing campaigns have significant effects on the results of place marketing in terms of attracting stakeholders, whereas the two other obstacles have no significant influence.
International Production Networks, Clusters, and Industrial Upgrading: Evidence from Automotive and Hard Disk Drive Industries in Thailand
Authors: Kohpaiboon Archanun , Jongwanich Juthathip
Published: March 2013

This paper illustrates the role of international production networks (IPNs) and industrial clusters (ICs) in the upgrading process with a view to gain a better understanding of their upgrading experiences. This can shed some light on the ongoing debate regarding the relative importance of IPNs and ICs and their implications for prudential industrial policy. The automotive and hard disk drive (HDD) industries in Thailand are chosen as case studies because their outstanding export performance in the world market in the past two decades suggests their success in industrial upgrading. Nonetheless, these two industries differ in their modes of networking. In the former, industrial clustering has been observed and has reached a level where the local content of a locally manufactured vehicle is approaching 100 percent. For the latter, industrial clustering has naturally occurred and reached a certain level, while IPNs still play a crucial role. This result suggests the possibility of coexistence between IPNs and ICs. The observed industrial clustering in the HDD industry in the later stage also shows that ICs would be a developmental outcome rather than a precondition of technological upgrading. The choice between IPNs and ICs should be a private sector decision, driven by the economic fundamentals.The public sector should focus on strengthening the supply‐side capabilities of local firms as well as creating an investment climate to further promote upgrading activities.
Web‐based Kidney Education: Supporting Patient Self‐Management
Authors: Schatell Dori
Published: March 2013

Connecting patients to appropriate information—and to each other for social support—can help them self‐manage chronic kidney disease (CKD) more effectively. For CKD patients, the Internet offers a wealth of resources to meet many educational needs. Understanding the types of Internet sources CKD patients use today can help renal professionals point patients in the right direction. This article will briefly review the state of CKD patient education and social support in the United States, then outline types of Internet‐based patient education, and review the value of each type for both education and social support.
Do Citizens Link Attitudes with Preferences? Economic Inequality and Government Spending in the “New Gilded Age”
Authors: Hayes Thomas J.
Published: March 2013

Objectives

This article investigates the extent to which people link policy preferences with unequal outcomes. As the American public is both aware and supportive of reducing income inequality in the abstract, it is an open question whether this concern is translated into support for policies that might help alleviate the rise in economic inequality.

Methods

Ordinary least squares (OLS) regression is used with data from the General Social Survey (GSS).

Results

The relationship between attitudes about wealth inequality and spending preferences is positive, but not strong. Moreover, there is no evidence that the least well‐off are more attuned to linking attitudes about inequality with spending preferences than the upper or middle classes.

Conclusion

The main findings suggest that while citizens are able to link attitudes about inequality with spending preferences, the link might not be strong enough to propel elected officials to act as wealth inequality expands.
Religion and Interracial Romance: The Effects of Religious Affiliation, Public and Devotional Practices, and Biblical Literalism
Authors: Perry Samuel L.
Published: March 2013

Objective

This study examines how religious affiliations, salience, beliefs, and practices influence engagement in interracial dating or romance.

Methods

Bivariate and multivariate analyses are employed using data from the 2007 Baylor Religion Survey (N = 1,268). Logistic regression models are estimated in order to determine how certain dimensions of religious life predict whether one has engaged in interracial dating or romance, net of sociodemographic and ideological controls.

Results

Relative to evangelicals, mainline Protestants are less likely to have engaged in interracial romance. Those who frequently attend church and affirm biblical literalism are less likely to have dated across race, but those who engage in devotional practices such as prayer and sacred text reading are more likely to have interracialy dated.

Conclusion

The relationship between religion and interracial romance is more complex than previously thought. Future studies should both acknowledge and account for this complexity in their analyses.
The Motion Behind the Symbols: A Vital Role for Dynamism in the Conceptualization of Limits and Continuity in Expert Mathematics
Authors: Marghetis Tyler , Núñez Rafael
Published: March 2013

The canonical history of mathematics suggests that the late 19th‐century “arithmetization” of calculus marked a shift away from spatial‐dynamic intuitions, grounding concepts in static, rigorous definitions. Instead, we argue that mathematicians, both historically and currently, rely on dynamic conceptualizations of mathematical concepts like continuity, limits, and functions. In this article, we present two studies of the role of dynamic conceptual systems in expert proof. The first is an analysis of co‐speech gesture produced by mathematics graduate students while proving a theorem, which reveals a reliance on dynamic conceptual resources. The second is a cognitive‐historical case study of an incident in 19th‐century mathematics that suggests a functional role for such dynamism in the reasoning of the renowned mathematician Augustin Cauchy. Taken together, these two studies indicate that essential concepts in calculus that have been defined entirely in abstract, static terms are nevertheless conceptualized dynamically, in both contemporary and historical practice.
Arabidopsis thaliana bZIP44: a transcription factor affecting seed germination and expression of the mannanase‐encoding gene AtMAN7
Authors: Iglesias‐Fernández Raquel , Barrero‐Sicilia Cristina , Carrillo‐Barral Néstor , Oñate‐Sánchez Luis , Carbonero Pilar
Published: March 2013

Endo‐β‐mannanases (MAN; EC. 3.2.1.78) catalyze the cleavage of β1→4 bonds in mannan polymers and have been associated with the process of weakening the tissues surrounding the embryo during seed germination. In germinating Arabidopsis thaliana seeds, the most highly expressed MAN gene is AtMAN7 and its transcripts are restricted to the micropylar endosperm and to the radicle tip just before radicle emergence. Mutants with a T‐DNA insertion in AtMAN7 have a slower germination than the wild type. To gain insight into the transcriptional regulation of the AtMAN7 gene, a bioinformatic search for conserved non‐coding cis‐elements (phylogenetic shadowing) within the Brassicaceae MAN7 gene promoters has been done, and these conserved motifs have been used as bait to look for their interacting transcription factors (TFs), using as a prey an arrayed yeast library from A. thaliana. The basic‐leucine zipper TF AtbZIP44, but not the closely related AtbZIP11, has thus been identified and its transcriptional activation upon AtMAN7 has been validated at the molecular level. In the knock‐out lines of AtbZIP44, not only is the expression of the AtMAN7 gene drastically reduced, but these mutants have a significantly slower germination than the wild type, being affected in the two phases of the germination process, both in the rupture of the seed coat and in the breakage of the micropylar endosperm cell walls. In the over‐expression lines the opposite phenotype is observed.
Clinical experience with a lipid‐free, ready‐made parenteral nutrition solution in dogs: 70 cases (2006–2012)
Authors: Gajanayake Isuru , Wylie Claire E. , Chan Daniel L.
Published: March 2013

Objective

To review the clinical use of a lipid‐free, ready‐made amino acid and glucose parenteral nutrition (PN) solution in dogs.

Design

Retrospective study of dogs from 2006 to 2012 that received this form of PN.

Setting

University veterinary teaching hospital.

Animals

Seventy dogs presented to the hospital for treatment of various diseases in which PN was used as part of patient management. Dogs were administered PN at the discretion of the primary clinician.

Intervention

A lipid‐free, ready‐made solution containing amino acid (59 g/L) and dextrose (100 g/L) was administered intravenously as a constant rate infusion to provide nutritional support.

Measurements and Main Results

PN was provided for a median of 2.2 days (range 0.5–9.5 days) in the 70 dogs, totaling 168 days of PN. The PN provided a median of 5.5 g/100 kcal of protein (range 1–9.5 g/100 kcal) and a median of 2.2 mg/kg of bodyweight per minute (range 0.8–5.2 mg/kg/min) of glucose, which reflected a median of 57% of the resting energy requirement (range 9–100%). Metabolic complications developed in 43 of 67 dogs where these data were recorded, but the development of hyperkalemia was the only complication associated with a poor outcome (eg, death or euthanasia). Mechanical complications were seen in 28 dogs, and all but one of these occurred when PN was delivered through peripheral catheters. Septic complications were confirmed in 5 dogs.

Conclusions

This form of PN is suitable for clinical use and can provide both protein and calories to ill dogs. It was, however, associated with a high rate of complications and requires careful patient monitoring.
Bound states within the notch of the HfO2/GeO2/Ge stack
Authors: Wang Zhong , Ralph Jason , Sedghi Naser , Mitrovic Ivona Z. , Hall Steve
Published: March 2013

A model is presented to allow calculation of the bound states in the conduction band notch at the interface between the interfacial native GeO2 and high-κ dielectric layer in a Ge MOSFET gate stack. The notch represents a potential charge trapping site, which can induce threshold voltage instability. The model is applied to a three-dimensional structure, and the number of electrons or average occupancy of confined electrons in the notch is calculated. The effect of device physical and electrical parameters on the number of bound states and average occupancy of states in the notch is discussed. The significance of the confined charge in the notch and its effect on the threshold voltage shift in an 8-nm node Ge MOSFET is investigated. The main conclusion is that charge storage in this notch is insignificant at the relevant technology node.
Genetic Clues to Meningioma
Authors: Kiberstis Paula A.
Published: March 2013

The mutational profiles of meningiomas, a common type of brain tumor, correlate with their anatomical location and clinical status.
A Role for IFN-ε
Authors: Mueller Kristen L.
Published: March 2013

The cytokine interferon-ε is expressed in the female reproductive tract and protects against sexually transmitted diseases.
Swapping Mood Disorders for Diabetes
Authors: Ferrarelli Leslie K.
Published: March 2013

Serotonin-targeted antidepressants may induce diabetes by disrupting the insulin signaling pathway and inducing cell death in pancreatic β cells.
Therapeutic Efficacy of Macrolides, Minocycline, and Tosufloxacin against Macrolide-Resistant Mycoplasma pneumoniae Pneumonia in Pediatric Patients
Authors: Kawai Yasuhiro , Miyashita Naoyuki , Kubo Mika , Akaike Hiroto , Kato Atsushi , Nishizawa Yoko , Saito Aki , Kondo Eisuke , Teranishi Hideto , Ogita Satoko , Tanaka Takaaki , Kawasaki Kozo , Nakano Takashi , Terada Kihei , Ouchi Kazunobu
Published: March 2013

The importance of macrolide-resistant (MR)
Mycoplasma pneumoniae
has become much more apparent in the past decade. We investigated differences in the therapeutic efficacies of macrolides, minocycline, and tosufloxacin against MR
M. pneumoniae
. A total of 188 children with
M. pneumoniae
pneumonia confirmed by culture and PCR were analyzed. Of these, 150 patients had a strain with an MR gene and 134 had one with an A-to-G mutation at position 2063 of
M. pneumoniae
23S rRNA domain V. Azithromycin (
n
= 27), clarithromycin (
n
= 23), tosufloxacin (
n
= 62), or minocycline (
n
= 38) was used for definitive treatment of patients with MR
M. pneumoniae
. Defervescence within 48 h after the initiation of antibiotic therapy was observed in 41% of the patients in the azithromycin group, 48% of those in the clarithromycin group, 69% of those in the tosufloxacin group, and 87% of those in the minocycline group. The average number of days of fever after the administration of antibiotic treatment was lower in the minocycline and tosufloxacin groups than in the macrolide groups. The decrease in the
M. pneumoniae
burden, as estimated by the number of DNA copies, after 48 to 96 h of treatment was more rapid in patients receiving minocycline (
P
= 0.016) than in those receiving tosufloxacin (
P
= 0.049), azithromycin (
P
= 0.273), or clarithromycin (
P
= 0.107). We found that the clinical and bacteriological efficacies of macrolides against MR
M. pneumoniae
pneumonia was low. Our results indicated that minocycline rather than tosufloxacin can be considered the first-choice drug for the treatment of
M. pneumoniae
pneumonia in children aged ≥8 years.
Real-Time Microscopic Observation of Candida Biofilm Development and Effects Due to Micafungin and Fluconazole
Authors: Kaneko Yukihiro , Miyagawa Susumu , Takeda On , Hakariya Masateru , Matsumoto Satoru , Ohno Hideaki , Miyazaki Yoshitsugu
Published: March 2013

To understand the process ofCandidabiofilm development and the effects of antifungal agents on biofilms, we analyzed real-time data comprising time-lapse images taken at times separated by brief intervals. The growth rate was calculated by measuring the change of biofilm thickness every hour. For the antifungal study, 5-h-old biofilms ofCandida albicanswere treated with either micafungin (MCFG) or fluconazole (FLCZ). MCFG began to suppress biofilm growth a few minutes after the initiation of the treatment, and this effect was maintained over the course of the observation period. In contrast, the suppressive effects of FLCZ on biofilm growth took longer to manifest: biofilms grew in the first 5 h after treatment, and then their growth was suppressed over the next 10 h, finally producing results similar to those observed with MCFG. MCFG was also involved in the disruption of cells in the biofilms, releasing string-like structures (undefined extracellular component) from the burst hyphae. Thus, MCFG inhibited the detachment of yeast cell clusters from the tips of hyphae. In contrast, FLCZ did not disrupt biofilm cells. MCFG also showed fast antifungal activity againstCandida parapsilosisbiofilms. In conclusion, our results show that inhibition of glucan synthesis due to MCFG contributed not only to fungicidal activity but also to the immediate suppression of biofilm growth, while FLCZ suppressed growth by inhibiting ergosterol synthesis. Therefore, those characteristic differences should be considered when treating clinical biofilm infections.
Epidemiology of Antituberculosis Drug Resistance in Saudi Arabia: Findings of the First National Survey
Authors: Al-Hajoj Sahal , Varghese Bright , Shoukri Mohammed M. , Al-Omari Ruba , Al-Herbwai Mais , AlRabiah Fahad , Alrajhi Abdulrahman A. , Abuljadayel Naila , Al-Thawadi Sahar , Zumla Alimuddin , Zignol Matteo , Raviglione Mario C. , Memish Ziad
Published: March 2013

The real magnitude of antituberculosis (anti-TB) drug resistance in Saudi Arabia is still unknown because the available data are based on retrospective laboratory studies that were limited to hospitals or cities. A representative national survey was therefore conducted to investigate the levels and patterns of anti-TB drug resistance and explore risk factors. Between August 2009 and July 2010, all culture-positive TB patients diagnosed in any of the tuberculosis reference laboratories of the country were enrolled. Isolates obtained from each patient were tested for susceptibility to first-line anti-TB drugs by the automated Bactec MGIT 960 method. Of the 2,235 patients enrolled, 75 cases (3.4%) were lost due to culture contamination and 256 (11.5%) yielded nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM). Finally, 1,904 patients (85.2% of those enrolled) had available drug susceptibility testing results. Monoresistance to streptomycin (8.1%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 7.2 to 9.1), isoniazid (5.4%; 95% CI, 4.7 to 6.2), rifampin (1%; 95% CI, 0.7 to 1.3) and ethambutol (0.8%; 95% CI, 0.5 to 1.2) were observed. Multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) was found in 1.8% (95% CI, 1.4 to 2.4) and 15.9% (95% CI, 15.4 to 16.5) of new and previously treated TB cases, respectively. A treatment history of active TB, being foreign-born, having pulmonary TB, and living in the Western part of the country were the strongest independent predictors of MDR-TB. Results from the first representative national anti-TB drug resistance survey in Saudi Arabia suggest that the proportion of MDR-TB is relatively low, though there is a higher primary drug resistance. A strengthened continuous surveillance system to monitor trends over time and second-line anti-TB drug resistance as well as implementation of innovative control measures, particularly among immigrants, is warranted.
Characterization of Porin Expression in Klebsiella pneumoniae Carbapenemase (KPC)-Producing K. pneumoniae Identifies Isolates Most Susceptible to the Combination of Colistin and Carbapenems
Authors: Hong Jae H. , Clancy Cornelius J. , Cheng Shaoji , Shields Ryan K. , Chen Liang , Doi Yohei , Zhao Yanan , Perlin David S. , Kreiswirth Barry N. , Nguyen M. Hong
Published: March 2013

We characterized carbapenem resistance mechanisms among 12
Klebsiella pneumoniae
carbapenemase (KPC)-producing
K. pneumoniae
(referred to here as KPC
K. pneumoniae
) clinical isolates and evaluated their effects on the activity of 2- and 3-drug combinations of colistin, doripenem, and ertapenem. All isolates were resistant to ertapenem and doripenem; 75% (9/12) were resistant to colistin. Isolates belonged to the ST258 clonal group and harbored
bla
KPC-2
,
bla
SHV-12
, and
bla
TEM-1
. As determined by time-kill assays, doripenem (8 μg/ml) and ertapenem (2 μg/ml) were inactive against 92% (11/12) and 100% (12/12) of isolates, respectively. Colistin (2.5 μg/ml) exerted some activity (range, 0.39 to 2.5 log
10
) against 78% (7/9) of colistin-resistant isolates. Colistin-ertapenem, colistin-doripenem, and colistin-doripenem-ertapenem exhibited synergy against 42% (5/12), 50% (6/12), and 67% (8/12) of isolates, respectively. Expression of
ompK35
and
ompK36
porins correlated with each other (
R
2
= 0.80). Levels of porin expression did not correlate with colistin-doripenem or colistin-ertapenem synergy. However, synergy with colistin-doripenem-ertapenem was more likely against isolates with high porin expression than those with low expression (100% [8/8] versus 0% [0/4];
P
= 0.002). Moreover, bactericidal activity (area under the bacterial killing curve) against isolates with high porin expression was greater for colistin-doripenem-ertapenem than colistin-doripenem or colistin-ertapenem (
P
≤ 0.049). In conclusion, colistin-carbapenem combinations may provide optimal activity against KPC
K. pneumoniae
, including colistin-resistant isolates. Screening for porin expression may identify isolates that are most likely to respond to a triple combination of colistin-doripenem-ertapenem. In the future, molecular characterization of KPC
K. pneumoniae
isolates may be a practical tool for identifying effective combination regimens.