bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pyruvate-enriched resuscitation: metabolic support of post-ischemic hindlimb muscle in hypovolemic goats
Authors: Gurji Hunaid A , White Daniel W , Hoxha Besim , Sun Jie , Harbor Jessica P , Schulz Diana R , Williams Arthur G , Olivencia-Yurvati Albert H , Mallet Robert T
Published: January 2014

Tourniquet-imposed ischemia-reperfusion of extremities generates reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS), which can disrupt intermediary metabolism and ATP production. This study tested the hypothesis that fluid resuscitation with pyruvate, a natural antioxidant and metabolic fuel, ameliorates the deleterious effects of ischemia-reperfusion on intermediary metabolism in skeletal muscle. Anesthetized male goats (∼25 kg) were bled to a mean arterial pressure of 48 ± 1 mmHg and then subjected to 90 min hindlimb ischemia with a tourniquet and femoral crossclamp, followed by 4-h reperfusion. Lactated Ringers (LR) or pyruvate Ringers (PR) was infused intravenous for 90 min, from 30 min ischemia to 30 min reperfusion, to deliver 0.05 mmol kg−1 min−1 lactate or pyruvate. Time controls (TC) underwent neither hemorrhage nor hindlimb ischemia. Lipid peroxidation product 8-isoprostane, RONS-sensitive aconitase and creatine kinase activities, antioxidant superoxide dismutase activity, and phosphocreatine phosphorylation potential ([PCr]/[{Cr}{Pi}]), an index of tissue energy state, were measured in reperfused gastrocnemius at 90 min resuscitation ( n = 6 all groups) and 3.5 h post-resuscitation ( n = 8 TC, 9 LR, 10 PR). PR more effectively than LR suppressed 8-isoprostane formation, prevented inactivation of aconitase and creatine kinase, doubled superoxide dismutase activity, and augmented [PCr]/([Cr][Pi]). Pyruvate-enriched Ringer’s is metabolically superior to Ringer’s lactate for fluid resuscitation of tourniqueted muscle.
Location and visualization of the communication problems in a simulated Slovenian Armed Forces tactical radio network
Authors: Klampfer Saša , Fras Matjaž , Globačnik Gregor , Mohorko Jože , Čučej Žarko
Published: January 2014

The article presents a concept of design, using the methods of simulation results, automatic analysis, and taking into account expert knowledge, and visualization of communication problems in the developed Tactical Player. The main emphasis is on the segment of simulation results evaluation on the basis of fuzzy sets, from which we have developed rules, the combination of which is used for evaluation of the quality of communication parameters between tactical radio stations. A special note should also be taken of the concept of modeling a tactical radio network and its characteristics, the mode of communication between radio stations, hierarchic organization, the problems of manual analysis of simulation results, etc. We present our solution for automatic analysis and the solution for visualization of problematic segments in the course of communication. The reader is acquainted with the problems of wireless communications and the key parameters influencing the connection between communicating entities, such as radio visibility, message transfer success, packet loss, deterioration of the signal–noise relation, etc. Because visualization of problematic time frames of the simulated communication on a virtual simulation field directly depends on the automatic analysis precision, we also used mathematical procedures (probability theory and possibility theory) as the basis of the fuzzy logic used. For a better understanding of the modeled prototype’s functioning, we also include a block scheme in the form of a process scheme, on the basis of which we can show the segments that are new and are a scientific contribution in the field of simulation techniques.
A Vibrotactile P300-Based Brain–Computer Interface for Consciousness Detection and Communication
Authors: Lugo Zulay R. , Rodriguez Javi , Lechner Alexander , Ortner Rupert , Gantner Ithabi S. , Laureys Steven , Noirhomme Quentin , Guger Christoph
Published: January 2014

Brain–computer interface (BCI) has been used for many years for communication in severely disabled patients. BCI based on electrophysiological signals has enabled communication, using auditory or visual stimuli to elicit event-related potentials (ERPs). The aim of this study was to determine whether patients with locked-in syndrome (LIS) could elicit a P300 wave, using a vibrotactile oddball paradigm for establishing somatosensory BCI-based communication. Six chronic LIS patients performed 2 electroencephalography (EEG)-based vibrotactile P300 oddball tasks. After a simple mental counting task of the target stimuli, participants were instructed to answer 5 questions by counting the vibration on either the right wrist for “yes” or the left wrist for “no.” All participants were able to elicit a P300 wave using the vibrotactile oddball paradigm BCI task. In the counting task, 4 patients got accuracies of 100% (average above chance). In the communication task, one patient achieved 100% accuracy (average above chance). We have shown the feasibility of eliciting a P300 response using vibrotactile stimulation in patients with LIS. The present study provides evidence that this approach can be used for EEG-based BCI communications in this patient group. This is the first study to prove the feasibility of a BCI based on somatosensory (vibratory) stimulation in a group of brain-injured patients. Furthermore, this approach could be used for the detection of consciousness in non-communicating patients due to severe brain injuries.
The Male Face of Caregiving
Authors: Robinson Carole A. , Bottorff Joan L. , Pesut Barbara , Oliffe John L. , Tomlinson Jamie
Published: January 2014

The purpose of this scoping review was to examine the empirical evidence published since 2007 on men as family caregivers of persons with dementia. Searches were conducted on Academic Search Complete, Ageline, CINAHL, Embase, Medline, PsychINFO, Social Work Abstracts, and Web of Science using database-specific controlled (i.e., MeSH terms) vocabulary related to dementia, men, and caregiving. Studies published in English between 2007 and 2012 that provided evidence of the experiences of male family caregivers of persons with dementia were included in the review. A total of 30 articles were selected for inclusion. Studies were grouped into three major themes for review: men’s experiences of caregiving, relational factors, and outcomes of caregiving. The reviewed studies build on and support previous findings related to stress, burden, accessing services, and the importance of relational factors to men’s caregiving experiences. However, there is a need for a framework that explains these findings in relation to masculinities. Such a framework would provide the necessary unifying context for a more powerful explanatory account. Furthermore, there appears to be the potential for great benefit in fully linking men’s caregiver research to men’s health issues as a means to articulate strategies to sustain the health and well-being of men caregivers. This seems especially relevant in light of the closing gender gap in life expectancy, which will ultimately see many men providing direct care to their partners.
Activated skin γδ T-cells regulate T-cell infiltration of the wound site after burn
Authors: Rani Meenakshi , Zhang Qiong , Scherer Michael R , Cap Andrew P , Schwacha Martin G
Published: January 2014

Burn induces an immunopathological response involving multiple immune cell types that includes γδ T-cells. Nonetheless, the role of γδ T-cells at the wound site after burn is not clearly defined. Wild type and γδ T-cell receptor deficient (δ TCR-/-) mice were subjected to a major burn or sham procedure. At 1–7 d thereafter, skin samples were collected and T-cell populations analyzed. The majority of T-cells in the skin of sham mice were γδ T-cells. After burn, however, an increase in the total T-cells was observed at the wound site and these cells were predominantly αβ T-cells. Their influx was γδ T-cell dependent, as it was markedly reduced in injured δ TCR-/- mice. Burn wound γδ T-cells were activated with increased expression of TLRs and CD69. In contrast, the infiltrating αβ T-cells TLR and CD69 expressions were attenuated after burn. Thus, burn is associated with of γδ T-cell activation at the injury site, which initiates a massive infiltration of the wound with αβ T-cells that likely facilitate the transition from the inflammatory to the proliferative phase of healing.
Response to fifty grams oral glucose challenge test and pattern of preceding fasting plasma glucose in normal pregnant Nigerians
Authors: Adegbola Omololu , Ajayi Godwin Olufemi
Published: January 2014

Background:

Diabetes mellitus in pregnancy has profound implications for the baby and mother and thus active screening for this is desirable.

Method:

Fifty grams oral glucose challenge test was administered after obtaining consent to 222 women in good health with singleton pregnancies without diabetes mellitus at 24 to 28 weeks gestation after an overnight fast. Venous blood sample was obtained before and 1 hour after the glucose load. A diagnostic 3-hour 100 g oral glucose tolerance test was subsequently performed in all.

Results:

Two hundred and ten women had a normal response to oral glucose tolerance test i.e. venous plasma glucose below these cut-off levels: fasting 95 mg/dl (5.3 mmol/l), 1 hour 180 mg/dl (10.0 mmol/l), 2 hours 155 mg/dl (8.6 mmol/l) and 3 hours 140 mg/dl (7.8 mmol/l), while 12 were found to have gestational diabetes mellitus and were subsequently excluded from the study. They were appropriately managed. The mean maternal age was 30.9 ± 4.1 years (range 19 to 45 years) and the mean parity was 1.2 ± 1.1 (range 0 to 5). The mean fasting plasma glucose was 74.5 ± 11.5 mg/dl (range 42 to 117 mg/dl), while the mean plasma glucose 1 hour after 50 g glucose challenge test was 115.3 ± 19.1 mg/dl (range 56 to 180 mg/dl).

Conclusions:

The mean fasting plasma glucose in normal pregnant Nigerians was 74.5 ± 11.5 mg/dl (range 42 to 117 mg/dl). There is a need to re-appraise and possibly review downwards the World Health Organization fasting plasma glucose diagnostic criteria in pregnant Nigerians for better detection of gestational diabetes mellitus. Pregnant women with venous plasma glucose greater than 153.5 mg/dl (8.5 mmol/l) 1 hour after 50 g glucose challenge test are strongly recommended for diagnostic test of gestational diabetes mellitus.
A mother–baby psychiatric day hospital: History, rationale, and why perinatal mental health is important for obstetric medicine
Authors: Battle Cynthia L , Howard Margaret M
Published: January 2014

Background

Women frequently experience depression, anxiety, or other mental health concerns during pregnancy and postpartum, impacting her and her infant’s health. Patients who require management of medical conditions during the perinatal period are even more likely to experience depression and anxiety compared to those without comorbid medical issues. Despite the availability of effective treatments, perinatal mental health utilization rates are strikingly low.

Methods

To address common treatment barriers, we developed a specialized mother–baby day hospital for women with psychiatric distress during the peripartum. In this report, we summarize findings from 800 patient satisfaction surveys collected from women treated at the program between 2007 and 2012.

Results

Findings suggest that women are highly satisfied with the treatment received, often noting that the inclusion of the baby in their treatment is a highly valued feature of care.

Conclusion

The relevance of perinatal mental health services for patients who are followed by obstetrical medicine specialists is discussed.
Pregnancy outcomes in patients with severe pulmonary hypertension and Eisenmenger syndrome treated with sildenafil monotherapy
Authors: Cartago Reinalyn S , Alan Pichy Ann , Benedicto Jubert
Published: January 2014

Pregnancy outcomes in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension have not been documented in our local setting. In our institution, access to therapies like nitric oxide, inhaled prostacyclin and iloprost is limited. We describe two such women given sildenafil monotherapy between April and May 2011. Both had an atrial septal defect complicated by Eisenmenger syndrome. Both survived – one after elective Caesarean section for malpresentation (breech) under general anaesthesia, the other after an assisted vaginal delivery. In addition to oral sildenafil, both received oxygen supplementation. To date, there have been three reported cases of pulmonary arterial hypertension in pregnancy treated with sildenafil in combination with another drug. Our two cases demonstrate that treatment for pulmonary arterial hypertension using sildenafil as monotherapy may allow stabilization of the maternal condition and improve clinical outcomes for both mother and baby. However, pregnancy is still discouraged in women with pulmonary arterial hypertension.
Decreasing Necrotizing Enterocolitis and Gastrointestinal Bleeding in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Huston Robert K. , Markell Andrea M. , McCulley Elizabeth A. , Pathak Manoj , Rogers Stefanie P. , Sweeney Sean L. , Dolphin Nancy G. , Gardiner Stuart K.
Published: January 2014

Objective: The purpose of this study is to report our experience with an exclusive human milk–based diet (EHM) versus diets of mother’s milk supplemented with banked human milk (DHM) or formula (PTF) plus bovine fortifier. Second, we evaluated the cost-effectiveness of using EHM. Design/Methods: This is a retrospective study of infants ≤1500 g birth weight (VLBW) admitted to the NICU from January 1, 2007, to December 31, 2011. Primary outcomes were rates of Bell stage 2 to 3 necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) and NEC plus significant gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB). There were 3 groups for analysis according to diet: PTF, DHM, and EHM. Binary outcomes were analyzed using a multivariate logistic regression. Linear analysis of covariance was used to analyze continuous outcomes. Cost analysis used costs from a previous study for stage 2 and 3 NEC and from a matched control analysis for infants in our study for stage 1 NEC. Results: Infants who received EHM (n = 44) had higher rates of risk factors for NEC compared with DHM (n = 224) and PTF (n = 93). Rates of NEC were decreased for EHM versus PTF (odds ratio [OR] = 0.060; confidence interval [CI] = 0.003-0.445; P = .019) and NEC plus GIB were decreased for EHM versus DHM (OR = 0.070; CI = 0.004-0.369; P = .012) and EHM versus PTF (OR = 0.062; CI = 0.003-0.366; P = .011). A cost saving was shown when using EHM for VLBW infants with several risk factors for NEC but not all VLBW infants. Conclusions: EHM lowered the incidence of NEC compared with PTF and NEC plus GIB compared with DHM and PTF. Using EHM in VLBW infants at higher risk of NEC appears to be cost-effective.
Embedding Care Management in the Medical Home
Authors: Daaleman Timothy P. , Hay Sherry , Prentice Amy , Gwynne Mark D.
Published: January 2014

Introduction: Care managers are playing increasingly significant roles in the redesign of primary care and in the evolution of patient-centered medical homes (PCMHs), yet their adoption within day-to-day practice remains uneven and approaches for implementation have been minimally reported. We introduce a strategy for incorporating care management into the operations of a PCMH and assess the preliminary effectiveness of this approach. Methods: A case study of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Family Medicine Center used an organizational model of innovation implementation to guide the parameters of implementation and evaluation. Two sources were used to determine the effectiveness of the implementation strategy: data elements from the care management informatics system in the health record and electronic survey data from the Family Medicine Center providers and care staff. Results: A majority of physicians (75%) and support staff (82%) reported interactions with the care manager, primarily via face-to-face, telephone, or electronic means, primarily for facilitating referrals for behavioral health services and assistance with financial and social and community-based resources. Trend line suggests an absolute decrease of 8 emergency department visits per month for recipients of care management services and an absolute decrease of 7.5 inpatient admissions per month during the initial 2-year implementation period. Discussion: An organizational model of innovation implementation is a potentially effective approach to guide the process of incorporating care management services into the structure and workflows of PCMHs.
The Diminished Resistance to Medicalization in Psychiatry
Authors: Smith Dena T.
Published: January 2014

In this paper, I use data from 20 in-depth interviews with psychoanalytically trained psychiatrists (who prescribe medications and practice talk therapy) about their experiences navigating treatment in a profession dominated by the medical model. Psychiatrists’ descriptions of their field and their patients’ troubles support the central claims in sociology about the medicalization of psychiatry. Since the 1980s, the extent to which psychiatric troubles are medicalized has increased dramatically and in new ways. Pharmaceutical companies, insurance companies and consumers drive the current era in medicalization. Psychiatric training is also highly influential on practitioners’ propensities to think and act medically. Qualitative data are crucial for understanding the extent to which medicalization influences practitioners and the degree to which they foster the use of medical interventions. Very few researchers have examined the medicalization of psychiatry from the perspective of psychiatrists, especially psychoanalysts, who offer insight into why medicalization is largely unchallenged within psychiatry.
Generation of an Interval Metric Scale to Measure Attitude
Authors: Yusoff Rohana , Mohd Janor Roziah
Published: January 2014

This article discusses issues of scales in measuring attitude, demonstrates how a metric scale can be generated based on three main features, and presents results from a repeated measurement survey to verify the generated scale. The design of the generated metric scale is introduced and named Ruler and Option (RO). The population for repeated measurement survey was 1,870 bachelor students from a public university. Two sets of questionnaire (identical items), one with 7-point Likert scale and another with RO scale, were distributed to a sample of 595 bachelor students chosen using stratified random sampling method. Data were analyzed descriptively using SPSS version 20 and structural equation modeling using AMOS version 21. Results showed that data from RO scale performed better than data from 7-point Likert scale in terms of number of items per construct, factor loadings, squared multiple correlations, higher ratio of degrees of freedom to number of parameters, and higher reliability coefficients. In terms of validity coefficients, measurement models from both data sets attained almost the same level of discriminant and construct validity. Further studies are recommended to elicit the strength and weakness of RO scale to identify the situations where it is most suitable.
Life Stories, Cultural Métissage, and Personal Identities
Authors: Vieira Ricardo
Published: January 2014

This article encompasses an underlying notion of personal identities and processes of interaction, which distinguish essentialist identity from relational identity in contexts involving subjects, fields of possibilities, and cultural metamorphosis. It addresses the idea of the individual and her/his transformations: “I am who I want to be if I can be that person.” Any one of us could hypothetically have been someone else. The question of the reconstruction of individual identities is a vital aspect in the relationship between objective social conditions and what each person subjectively does with them, in terms of auto-construction. The complexity of this question reflects the idea of a cultural kaleidoscope, in which similar social conditions experienced by different individuals can produce differentiated identities. The title and structure of this text also seek to encompass the idea that in a personal life story, the subject lives between various spheres and sociocultural contexts, with a composite, mestizo, and superimposed or displaced identity, in each context. This occurs as the result of a cultural metamorphosis, which is constructed both by the individual as well as by heterogeneous influences between the context of the starting and finishing points at a given moment. This complex process of cultural metamorphosis—the fruit of interweaving subjective and objective forces—reveals a new dimension: the truly composite nature of personal identities.
Segregation and Hispanic Homicide
Authors: Bisciglia Michael G.
Published: January 2014

As the overall population of Hispanics within the United States has eclipsed that of African Americans, a mounting concern has developed regarding the rise in Hispanic lethal violence as a result of social and economic inequality. One means to measure this inequality is in the form of segregation. Research indicates that in many Hispanic communities, their levels of segregation from the White non-Hispanic population are similar to that of African Americans. Although a multitude of previous studies have looked at the impact of segregation among African Americans, the literature remains under-represented in terms of multi-city macro-level analyses among Hispanics. This current study extends the analysis of segregation’s effects on lethal violence to this population. To this end, two measures of segregation were used, the index of dissimilarity and exposure. Using data from the census and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) mortality files, negative binominal regression models were created using a sample of 236 U.S. cities. The results indicated that both measures of segregation show a strong positive influence on rates of Hispanic homicides.
Components of the Belief Gap
Authors: Gaziano Cecilie
Published: January 2014

Knowledge gap research focuses on education as an indicator of socioeconomic status (SES). Belief gap research centers on ideology as potentially more powerful than education in comparing sociopolitical groups with scientifically established knowledge and groups with opposing beliefs accepted on faith. This study examined the relationship between education and ideology to understand belief gaps better. The study used 2008 American National Election Study (ANES) data to compare conservatives, moderates, and liberals by education on religiosity, child rearing values, opinionation, need for cognition, orientation toward politics, and mass media access and use. Although liberals tended to be more educated than conservatives overall, better-educated conservatives had the highest household incomes and were a much larger group. No known knowledge gap studies have reported results on one group characterized by high education and an opposing group distinguished by a different indicator of SES. Reformulations of the belief gap hypothesis are offered.
Parenting Style and Generativity Measured in College Students and Their Parents
Authors: Guastello Denise D. , Guastello Stephen J. , Briggs Jeralee M.
Published: January 2014

The logical consistency between generativity and the authoritative parenting style led to the hypothesis that the two behavior patterns or orientations were related. Survey measurements of perceived parenting style (authoritarian, authoritative, and permissive) and generativity in 559 university students and their respective parents were compared. The authoritative parenting style correlated positively with generativity for both students and parents. Both students and mothers scored significantly higher on generativity than fathers, but no significant difference was found between students’ and mothers’ generativity. Hierarchical regression showed that students’ generativity was proximally related to their perceptions of their mothers’ authoritative parenting style, their mothers’ reports of parenting style, and their mothers’ generativity. Father’s generativity or parenting style did not make any additional contributions. The pattern of results suggested that generativity is a learned orientation and more often from mothers than from fathers. The role of maturation might not be as strong as developmental theory would suggest. Several avenues of future research were outlined.
Computer Game Addiction in Adolescents and Its Relationship to Chronotype and Personality
Authors: Vollmer Christian , Randler Christoph , Horzum Mehmet Barış , Ayas Tuncay
Published: January 2014

This study assessed the relationship between computer game addiction and computer game usage time, age, gender, BIG-5 personality, and chronotype. Seven hundred and forty-one adolescents from Turkey responded to questionnaires on these topics. We found that computer game addiction, computer game usage time, and chronotype were related with each other. Evening-oriented, younger, and male students had higher computer game addiction scores than morning-oriented, older, and female students. Furthermore, extraverted and agreeable students reported lower computer game addiction. No significant relationship was observed between students’ computer game addiction scores and openness to experience, conscientiousness. We conclude that evening types may be more prone to computer game addiction than morning types.
Homosociality
Authors: Hammarén Nils , Johansson Thomas
Published: January 2014

The concept of homosociality describes and defines social bonds between persons of the same sex. It is, for example, frequently used in studies on men and masculinities, there defined as a mechanism and social dynamic that explains the maintenance of hegemonic masculinity. However, this common and somewhat overexploited use of the concept to refer to how men, through their relations to other men, uphold and maintain patriarchy tends to simplify and reduce homosociality to an almost descriptive term – one used to point at how men tend to bond, build closed teams, and defend their privileges and positions. The purpose of the present article is to investigate, explore, and discuss the concept of homosociality. We will introduce a distinction between vertical/hierarchical and horizontal homosociality. Hierarchical homosociality is similar to and has previously been described as a means of strengthening power and of creating close bonds between men and between women to maintain and defend hegemony. Horizontal homosociality, however, is used to point toward more inclusive relations between, for example, men that are based on emotional closeness, intimacy, and a nonprofitable form of friendship. Relating this distinction to the concept of and discussion on hegemonic masculinity, we will reconstruct and develop a more dynamic view on homosociality.
Gender and Perceptions of Occupational Prestige
Authors: Crawley Donna
Published: January 2014

Two studies compared perceptions of status for occupations based on the gender and race of the workers. In total, 387 college students participated in this research. Across studies, results indicated that participants did not differentially value occupations based on the gender or race of the workers in terms of prestige ratings or salary estimates. However, participants judged that occupations required more education when described as having predominantly male workers rather than female workers. In addition, the participants showed different levels of interest in the positions depending on the occupational gender. These results are compared with similar studies conducted 20 years ago, in which participants showed more overt forms of devaluing occupations associated with women.
Hylomorphic Attitudinal Spirituality
Authors: Del Rio Carlos M. , White Lyle J.
Published: January 2014

Our hylomorphic attitudinal perspective is an alternate view of spirituality. Herein we posit a priori that spirituality is essential to human nature and it can be studied in a taxonomical sense. We argue that spirituality disposes us toward what is good and truthful as we live our lives; how we involve ourselves with our immediate reality imbues how we experience life. We argue that spirituality and religiosity are not congruently human phenomena. And, we disjoint spirituality from religiosity against the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders’ (4th ed.; merican Psychiatric Association, 1994) conflated codification of these constructs via loss of faith. We explain spirituality is inherent to humanity instead of religion, and it substantiates all human phenomena; organic and intellectual. We also report two studies. Study 1 established initial confidence of content validity of the Spiritual Typology Inventory (STI). Study 2 examined the STI’s emergent psychometric properties: acceptable internal consistency coefficients (α = .949), test–retest reliability coefficients ( rxy = .759), and exploratory factor analyses (factor loadings > .30). These properties adduce acceptable stability and construct validity for our inventory’s conceptual scales (α = .910, rxy = .770; α = .917, rxy = .667) from an adequate sample ( n = 1,080) and stability subsample ( n = 619). These psychometric properties evince our theoretical assumptions that spirituality is fundamentally human and it can be viewed as complementary types of a fundamental spiritual profile. Our inventory stands as a useful assessment tool for research and clinical practices in health care disciplines.
A Comparison of Deaf College Students’ and Hard of Hearing College Students’ Experiences and Risk Factors of Psychological and Physical Abuse
Authors: McQuiller Williams LaVerne , Porter Judy L.
Published: January 2014

A survey of 222 Deaf or hard of hearing college students in an upstate New York university provided a unique opportunity to explore possible differences between Deaf students’ and hard of hearing students’ experiences and risk factors of psychological and physical abuse in their intimate relationships. Previous research has indicated that Deaf and hard of hearing college students in the aggregate were significantly more likely to experience abuse than were hearing students. A comparison of Deaf students with hard of hearing students revealed that hard of hearing individuals were significantly more likely to experience physical abuse than were Deaf students but not more likely to experience psychological abuse. Findings also revealed that in most cases, traditional risk factors for partner violence (e.g., gender, race/ethnicity, living on campus) used in hearing college samples were not significant. Implications and directions for future research are discussed.
Crossing Boundaries
Authors: Pfahl Michael , Casper Jonathan , Trendafilova Sylvia , McCullough Brian P. , Nguyen Sheila N.
Published: January 2014

Across the world, organizational personnel in various industries are integrating natural environment issues into existing organizational practices. In the intercollegiate sports world, environmental efforts are undertaken as part of a strategic effort involving collaborative processes across university units. The purpose of this study is to develop a more comprehensive and detailed understanding of collaborative processes and practices between personnel in athletics departments and sustainability offices at universities and colleges in the United States. In-depth interviews were conducted with athletics and sustainability department personnel at colleges and universities in the United States. A total of 13 schools were included in the study with 17 participants agreeing to be interviewed. All interviewees were from the middle management level and higher in their respective organizations. Five central themes related to these relationships were found : relationship development, relationship communication, relationship decision-making development, collaborative efforts, and relationship challenges. The themes raise important issues about the diversity of relationships, the communicative and decision-making processes, and the involvement of stakeholders in environmental efforts as well as future research in this area.
A Tale of Unequal Substitution
Authors: Manning Dana H. , DeBuck Emily , Simchick Mallory
Published: January 2014

Objective: In this case report, we describe the development of an acute autoimmune hepatitis associated with a short course of minocycline prescribed for a skin infection. Due to a drug shortage, minocycline was substituted for doxycycline. Conclusions: It is imperative that practitioners be aware of the different risks that accompany switching between drugs in the tetracycline class, particularly the risk of autoimmune conditions including hepatitis.
Preparation and properties of multi-layered polypyrrole/polyethylene glycol/poly(styrene-co-maleic anhydride) cumene terminated/4,4′-methylenedianiline/graphite-based nanocomposites
Authors: Naz Asima , Kausar Ayesha , Siddiq Muhammad
Published: January 2014

Functional and non-functional graphite-based polymer nanocomposites have been fabricated via layer by layer polymerization. Functionalization of graphite was achieved by the oxidation of natural graphite, in which widening of the gap between graphite layers occurred facilitating the monomers to polymerize into the graphite galleries. Fourier transform infrared results confirmed the deposition of layered polymers on graphite. The elemental analysis by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy also revealed the composite structure. The morphology of resulting nanocomposites was studied by scanning electron microscopy. Non-functional graphite-based nanocomposites showed rough surface topology while in case of functional graphite-based nanocomposites, deposition of polymers on graphite sheets was observed. The presence of graphite nanosheets in multi-layered nanocomposites was confirmed by the appearance of X-ray diffraction peak at 2θ = 26.75°. Thermogravimetric analysis of multi-layered nanocomposites functional graphite/polypyrole/polyethylene glycol/poly(styrene-co-maleic anhydride)cumene terminated/4,4′-methylenedianilin (F-G/PPy/PEG/PSMA/MDA) showed higher degradation temperature for 10% weight loss at 475℃ compared with non-functional graphite/polypyrole/polyethylene glycol/poly(styrene-co-maleic anhydride)cumene terminated/4,4′-methylenedianilin (NF-G/PPy/PEG/PSMA/MDA) at 453℃. The electrical conductivity of the fabricated nanocomposite F-G/PPy/PEG/PSMA/MDA was increased with functional filler up to 14.4 S cm−1.
Pragmatic optimisation methods for determining material constants of viscoplasticity model from isothermal experimental data
Authors: Rouse J. P. , Hyde C. J. , Sun W. , Hyde T. H.
Published: January 2014

A procedure to estimate material constants for the unified Chaboche viscoplasticity model from experimental data has been published elsewhere; 1 2 however several critical assumptions are made to enable this and potential numerical problems can limit the effectiveness of the optimisation. Pragmatic optimisation procedures are therefore required to determine the material properties accurately and efficiently. This is made more complex by the presence of several deformation mechanisms and their interactions. Automation is critical due to the large amounts of data generated in testing. Complications that inhibit this process can arise due to factors such as experimental scatter. In this paper, a general optimisation framework is discussed and investigated using data from isothermal tests on a P91 steel at 600°C. Potential obstacles in the procedure are addressed and solutions (such as pre-optimisation experimental data ‘cleaning’) are suggested. Methods to maximise the amount of confidence a user has in a particular optimised constant set are also discussed.
Creep deformation, rupture and ductility of Esshete 1250 weld metal
Authors: Spindler M. W. , Spindler S. L.
Published: January 2014

Esshete 1250 is an austenitic steel with high creep strength and is well established as a superheater boiler tube material in UK power stations. In addition, Esshete 1250 is readily welded with either inert gas welding or metal arc welding and has been used for piping and headers in super critical power stations. The latter thick section components are either solution heat treated after welding or enter service in the as-welded condition. Components that enter service in the as-welded condition contain high residual stresses, which pose a threat to the structural integrity of these welds. In order to perform life assessments of as-welded Esshete 1250 welds, it is necessary to have data on the creep deformation, stress relaxation, rupture and ductility of the weld metal, which are described in this paper.
Study of creep cavitation in stainless steel weldment
Authors: Jazaeri H. , Bouchard P. J. , Hutchings M. , Lindner P.
Published: January 2014

A study of creep cavities near reheat cracking in AISI Type 316H austenitic stainless steel headers, removed from prolonged high temperature operation in nuclear power plants, is reported. It is shown how application of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), cryogenic fractography and small angle neutron scattering (SANS) can be applied, in a complementary way, to observe and quantify creep cavitation. Creep cavities in the vicinity of the crack are found to be mainly surrounding inter-granular carbides. Trends in the size and area fraction of creep cavities relative to the crack path are quantified using optimised metallography. The SANS technique is found to be a very suitable method of quantifying creep cavitation within the size range up to 600 nm averaged over a larger gauge volume. It is shown that the cavity size distribution peaks in the region 100–300 nm, and this correlates closely with the quantitative SEM observations.
Leukocyte cell-derived chemotaxin 2 (LECT2)–associated amyloidosis is a frequent cause of hepatic amyloidosis in the United States
Authors: Mereuta Oana M. , Theis Jason D. , Vrana Julie A. , Law Mark E. , Grogg Karen L. , Dasari Surendra , Chandan Vishal S. , Wu Tsung-Teh , Jimenez-Zepeda Victor H. , Fonseca Rafael , Dispenzieri Angela , Kurtin Paul J. , Dogan Ahmet
Published: January 2014

Key Points

Leukocyte cell-derived chemotaxin-2–associated amyloidosis (ALect2) is a common cause of systemic amyloidosis involving the liver. Recognition and accurate diagnosis of hepatic ALect2 amyloidosis is essential for accurate management of patients with hepatic amyloidosis.
Intravital imaging of donor allogeneic effector and regulatory T cells with host dendritic cells during GVHD
Authors: Lin Kaifeng Lisa , Fulton LeShara M. , Berginski Matthew , West Michelle L. , Taylor Nicholas A. , Moran Timothy P. , Coghill James M. , Blazar Bruce R. , Bear James E. , Serody Jonathan S.
Published: January 2014

Key Points

Allogeneic donor T cells establish stable contacts with dendritic cells in lymph nodes immediately (2 hours) after they are transplanted. Endogenous Tregs disrupt stable contacts between T cells and DCs, which are interleukin-10 dependent.
Prolonged lymphocytosis during ibrutinib therapy is associated with distinct molecular characteristics and does not indicate a suboptimal response to therapy
Authors: Woyach Jennifer A. , Smucker Kelly , Smith Lisa L. , Lozanski Arletta , Zhong Yiming , Ruppert Amy S. , Lucas David , Williams Katie , Zhao Weiqiang , Rassenti Laura , Ghia Emanuela , Kipps Thomas J. , Mantel Rose , Jones Jeffrey , Flynn Joseph , Maddocks Kami , O’Brien Susan , Furman Richard R. , James Danelle F. , Clow Fong , Lozanski Gerard , Johnson Amy J. , Byrd John C.
Published: January 2014

Key Points

Persistent CLL cells during ibrutinib therapy show evidence of biochemical activation, but inhibited BCR and no proliferation. Long lymphocytosis during ibrutinib therapy is not associated with adverse progression-free survival.
Childhood high-risk acute lymphoblastic leukemia in first remission: results after chemotherapy or transplant from the AIEOP ALL 2000 study
Authors: Conter Valentino , Valsecchi Maria Grazia , Parasole Rosanna , Putti Maria Caterina , Locatelli Franco , Barisone Elena , Lo Nigro Luca , Santoro Nicola , Aricò Maurizio , Ziino Ottavio , Pession Andrea , Testi Anna Maria , Micalizzi Concetta , Casale Fiorina , Zecca Marco , Casazza Gabriella , Tamaro Paolo , La Barba Gaetano , Notarangelo Lucia Dora , Silvestri Daniela , Colombini Antonella , Rizzari Carmelo , Biondi Andrea , Masera Giuseppe , Basso Giuseppe
Published: January 2014

Key Points

Intensive BFM therapy is effective for HR childhood ALL if low MRD levels are achieved at the end of the induction/consolidation phase. Childhood ALL with high MRD levels at the end of induction/consolidation phase has a poor prognosis despite intensive BFM therapy or HSCT.
Differences in somatosensory processing due to dominant hemispheric motor impairment in cerebral palsy
Authors: Riquelme Inmaculada , Padrón Iván , Cifre Ignasi , González-Roldán Ana M , Montoya Pedro
Published: January 2014

Background

Although cerebral palsy (CP) is usually defined as a group of permanent motor disorders due to non-progressive disturbances in the developing fetal or infant brain, recent research has shown that CP individuals are also characterized by altered somatosensory perception, increased pain and abnormal activation of cortical somatosensory areas. The present study was aimed to examine hemispheric differences on somatosensory brain processing in individuals with bilateral CP and lateralized motor impairments compared with healthy controls. Nine CP individuals with left-dominant motor impairments (LMI) (age range 5–28 yrs), nine CP individuals with right-dominant motor impairments (RMI) (age range 7–29 yrs), and 12 healthy controls (age range 5–30 yrs) participated in the study. Proprioception, touch and pain thresholds, as well as somatosensory evoked potentials (SEP) elicited by tactile stimulation of right and left lips and thumbs were compared.

Results

Pain sensitivity was higher, and lip stimulation elicited greater beta power and more symmetrical SEP amplitudes in individuals with CP than in healthy controls. In addition, although there was no significant differences between individuals with RMI and LMI on pain or touch sensitivity, lip and thumb stimulation elicited smaller beta power and more symmetrical SEP amplitudes in individuals with LMI than with RMI.

Conclusions

Our data revealed that brain processing of somatosensory stimulation was abnormal in CP individuals. Moreover, this processing was different depending if they presented right- or left-dominant motor impairments, suggesting that different mechanisms of sensorimotor reorganization should be involved in CP depending on dominant side of motor impairment.
Mozart K.448 listening decreased seizure recurrence and epileptiform discharges in children with first unprovoked seizures: a randomized controlled study
Authors: Lin Lung-Chang , Lee Mei-Wen , Wei Ruey-Chang , Mok Hin-Kiu , Yang Rei-Cheng
Published: January 2014

Background

Increasing numbers of reports show the beneficial effects of listening to Mozart music in decreasing epileptiform discharges as well as seizure frequency in epileptic children. There has been no effective method to reduce seizure recurrence after the first unprovoked seizure until now. In this study, we investigated the effect of listening to Mozart K.448 in reducing the seizure recurrence rate in children with first unprovoked seizures.

Methods

Forty-eight children who experienced their first unprovoked seizure with epileptiform discharges were included in the study. They were randomly placed into treatment (n = 24) and control (n = 24) groups. Children in the treatment group listened to Mozart K.448 daily before bedtime for at least six months. Two patients in the treatment group were excluded from analysis due to discontinuation intervention. Finally, forty-six patients were analyzed. Most of these patients (89.1%) were idiopathic in etiology. Seizure recurrence rates and reduction of epileptiform discharges were compared.

Results

The average follow-up durations in the treatment and control groups were 18.6 ± 6.6 and 20.1 ± 5.1 months, respectively. The seizure recurrence rate was estimated to be significantly lower in the treatment group than the control group over 24 months (37.2% vs. 76.8%,p = 0.0109). Significant decreases in epileptiform discharges were also observed after 1, 2, and 6 months of listening to Mozart K.448 when compared with EEGs before listening to music. There were no significant differences in gender, mentality, seizure type, and etiology between the recurrence and non-recurrence groups.

Conclusions

Although the case number was limited and control music was not performed in this study, the study revealed that listening to Mozart K.448 reduced the seizure recurrence rate and epileptiform discharges in children with first unprovoked seizures, especially of idiopathic etiology. We believe that Mozart K.448 could be a promising alternative treatment in patients with first unprovoked seizures and abnormal EEGs. Further large-scaled study should be conducted to confirm the effect.

Trial registration

NCT01892605, date: June-19-2013
Modified ‘one amino acid-one codon’ engineering of high GC content TaqII-coding gene from thermophilic Thermus aquaticus results in radical expression increase
Authors: Zylicz-Stachula Agnieszka , Zolnierkiewicz Olga , Sliwinska Katarzyna , Jezewska-Frackowiak Joanna , Skowron Piotr M
Published: January 2014

Background

An industrial approach to protein production demands maximization of cloned gene expression, balanced with the recombinant host’s viability. Expression of toxic genes from thermophiles poses particular difficulties due to high GC content, mRNA secondary structures, rare codon usage and impairing the host’s coding plasmid replication.

TaqII belongs to a family of bifunctional enzymes, which are a fusion of the restriction endonuclease (REase) and methyltransferase (MTase) activities in a single polypeptide. The family contains thermostable REases with distinct specificities: TspGWI, TaqII, Tth111II/TthHB27I, TspDTI and TsoI and a few enzymes found in mesophiles. While not being isoschizomers, the enzymes exhibit amino acid (aa) sequence homologies, having molecular sizes of ~120 kDa share common modular architecture, resemble Type-I enzymes, cleave DNA 11/9 nt from the recognition sites, their activity is affected by S-adenosylmethionine (SAM).

Results

We describe the taqIIRM gene design, cloning and expression of the prototype TaqII. The enzyme amount in natural hosts is extremely low. To improve expression of the taqIIRM gene in Escherichia coli (E. coli), we designed and cloned a fully synthetic, low GC content, low mRNA secondary structure taqIIRM, codon-optimized gene under a bacteriophage lambda (λ) P

R
promoter. Codon usage based on a modified ‘one amino acid–one codon’ strategy, weighted towards low GC content codons, resulted in approximately 10-fold higher expression of the synthetic gene. 718 codons of total 1105 were changed, comprising 65% of the taqIIRM gene. The reason for we choose a less effective strategy rather than a resulting in high expression yields ‘codon randomization’ strategy, was intentional, sub-optimal TaqII in vivo production, in order to decrease the high ‘toxicity’ of the REase-MTase protein.

Conclusions

Recombinant wt and synthetic taqIIRM gene were cloned and expressed in E. coli. The modified ‘one amino acid–one codon’ method tuned for thermophile-coded genes was applied to obtain overexpression of the ‘toxic’ taqIIRM gene. The method appears suited for industrial production of thermostable ‘toxic’ enzymes in E. coli. This novel variant of the method biased toward increasing a gene’s AT content may provide economic benefits for industrial applications.