bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of potassium titanate whiskers on the performance of vacuum molded glass/epoxy composites
Authors: Sudheer M , Vishwanathan KH , Raju K , Bhat Thirumaleshwara
Published: May 2013

Effect of potassium titanate whiskers on the mechanical and tribological properties of glass/epoxy composite systems has been investigated experimentally. Composite laminates were prepared by hand lay-up technique followed by vacuum bagging by varying the percentage of potassium titanate whiskers addition. Mechanical properties of the developed composites were evaluated as per ASTM standards. Tribological tests were conducted under dry sliding conditions on a pin on disc test rig. The tests results indicated that addition of the potassium titanate whiskers has significant effect on the properties of glass/epoxy composites. Density, hardness, stiffness properties, friction coefficient and wear resistance of the composites were found to improve with the potassium titanate whiskers loading. However, strength properties of the glass epoxy composites were found to reduce with whisker content. The mode of failure after the tensile tests and worn surface of some selected samples were studied using scanning electron microscope.
Effect of aramid regenerated fibers on thermo-mechanical behaviour of polyamide 12 composites
Authors: Dorigato Andrea , Fambri Luca
Published: May 2013

Aramid regenerated short fibers, obtained from the production scrap of as-produced aramid yarns, were utilized as reinforcement in a commercial polyamide (PA12) at different contents, ranging from 10 wt% to 30 wt%, in order to evaluate the effect of the fiber loading on the mechanical and dynamic behaviour of the resulting materials. Differential scanning calorimetry tests revealed how the crystallinity slightly decreased with the fiber content, while quasi-static tensile tests evidenced that the introduction of aramid fibers provided an interesting stiffening effect on the resulting composites, proportionally to the filler content. On the other hand, the presence of agglomerated fibers led to an embrittlement of polyamide composites, with a progressive reduction of the deformation at break. Tensile dynamic tests confirmed the stabilizing effect provided by the recycled fibers, while the coefficient of linear thermal expansion was progressively reduced both under and above the glass transition temperature. Isothermal creep compliance of the material was substantially reduced upon fiber addition, especially at elevated testing temperatures. Accordingly, Vicat softening temperature was increased of 10–20℃ in dependence on the fiber content. Also, the thermal degradation stability was slightly improved upon fiber addition. Morphological analysis on the cryofractured surfaces revealed a quite good fiber-matrix interfacial adhesion.
Thermal transitions and temperature dependent mechanical behavior of wheat straw/talc isotactic/impact modified polypropylene composites
Authors: Tajvidi Mehdi , Sharma Arathi Mohan , Simon Leonardo C
Published: May 2013

Dynamic mechanical thermal analysis was used to evaluate temperature-dependent mechanical performance of wheat straw/talc polypropylene composites intended for automotive components as well as thermal properties of the produced formulations. Dynamic mechanical thermal analysis results were also correlated with impact tests and static bending test results. Isotactic and impact-modified copolymer polypropylene composites with various amounts of wheat straw or talc were prepared using extrusion followed by injection molding. Different thermal transitions as well as mechanical performance of the composites were evaluated and the effects of fiber loading, matrix type, filler type and hybridization were studied. Results indicated different mechanical behaviors of the two fillers within and between the two matrices. Modulus retention term and relative storage modulus were used as parameters defining mechanical performance at various temperatures. It was found that wheat straw composites were generally comparable to talc composites with better performance at very low or very high temperature regions. The correlations between the dynamic mechanical loss factor values at room temperature and impact strength data revealed a good relationship only for the isotactic polypropylene composites whereas statistically significant correlations were established between flexural strength and impact data for all formulations.
Hole quality evaluation of natural fiber composite using image analysis technique
Authors: Venkateshwaran N , ElayaPerumal A
Published: May 2013

The natural fiber-reinforced composites are emerging as a possible replacement to glass fiber composite for low-cost applications. Of the various machining process, drilling is one of the most common machining processes used for the assemblage of various parts. During drilling process, composites undergo delamination phenomenon that reduces the structural reliability of the component. The present work focuses on the analysis of delamination behaviour as a function of drilling process parameters at the entrance and exit of the composite plates. In this work, drilling was carried out by varying the feed (0.1, 0.2, 0.3 mm/rev) and speed (500, 1000, 1500 and 2000 r/min), respectively. The drill bit used is made of high-speed steel of a diameter of 10 mm. The quality of the hole drilled was assessed using the machine vision technique, and the extent of delamination was carried out using the ultrasonic C-scan imaging method. The experimentally observed delamination factor was compared with ANOVA technique and found that the feed rate affect the delamination than speed. A correlation between the parameters of interest was carried out using multi-variable linear regression analysis technique.
A comparative study of steel reinforced concrete and flax fibre reinforced polymer tube confined coconut fibre reinforced concrete beams
Authors: Yan Libo , Chouw Nawawi
Published: May 2013

This paper experimentally investigates the flexural behaviour of circular steel rebar-coconut fibre reinforced concrete and flax fibre reinforced polymer tube-confined coconut fibre reinforced concrete composite beams. Conventional steel reinforced concrete beam and flax fibre reinforced polymer tube-confined plain concrete were considered as reference. A total of 18 beams were tested under 4-point bending. For flax fibre reinforced polymer-confined concrete specimens, two different tube thicknesses were used, i.e. 2-layers and 4-layers fabric. The effect of coconut fibre inclusion on the flexural behaviour of steel rebar-coconut fibre reinforced concrete and flax fibre reinforced polymer tube confined coconut fibre reinforced concrete beams were evaluated. In addition, the performance of flax fibre reinforced polymer tube-confined plain concrete and flax fibre reinforced polymer tube-confined coconut fibre reinforced concrete composite beams were compared with steel reinforced concrete and steel rebar-coconut fibre reinforced concrete beams. The test results indicate that coir inclusion slightly increased the load-carrying capacity but significantly enhanced the energy absorption of the steel rebar-coconut fibre reinforced concrete beam, compared to the steel reinforced concrete beam. For both flax fibre reinforced polymer-confined plain concrete and coconut fibre reinforced concrete, an increase in tube thickness provides a larger ultimate load, deflection and ductility of the beams. In comparison with the brittle failure of flax fibre reinforced polymer tube-confined plain concrete, coconut fibre inclusion modified the failure modes of flax fibre reinforced polymer tube-confined coconut fibre reinforced concrete to be ductile. The comparative study showed that 4-layer flax fibre reinforced polymer plain concrete and flax fibre reinforced polymer tube-confined coconut fibre reinforced concrete beams experienced lower deflection, higher ultimate load and higher energy absorption than the steel reinforced concrete beam.
Mutual Agreement Between Providers in Intensive Care Medicine on Patient Care After Interdisciplinary Rounds
Authors: Have Elsbeth Cornelia Maria Ten , Nap Raoul Ernesto
Published: May 2013

Purpose:

Insights regarding the results of interdisciplinary communication about patient care are limited. We explored the perceptions of intensivists, junior physicians, and nurses about patient care directly after the interdisciplinary rounds (IDRs) in the intensive care unit (ICU) to determine mutual agreement.

Methods:

A single-center survey study adapted from Pronovost “daily goal sheet” was performed in the ICUs for adults at a university medical center. Participants were intensivists, junior physicians, and ICU nurses. This survey, consisting of 14 items, was obtained directly after IDRs. Descriptive statistics of 90 observations of 30 discussed patient plans were computed. The internal consistency of the survey was measured by Cronbach α.

Results:

Differences between the hypothesized agreement of 90% and the saturated agreement revealed significant differences in 12 of the 14 items between the 3 groups of ICU care providers. Results of the differing agreement between intensivist and junior physicians or ICU nurses and between ICU nurses and junior physicians revealed that intensivists tend to agree more with ICU nurses than they do with the junior physicians. Internal consistency showed α = .74.

Conclusions:

The recommendation of IDRs without mutual agreement in important aspects of patient care hampers safety in daily practice. This study demonstrates that a survey to determine this agreement between the intensivists, junior physicians, and ICU nurses has low agreement, as measured directly after the IDRs.
Impact of Nurse Integrated Rounds on Self-Reported Comprehension, Attitudes, and Practices of Nurses and Resident Physicians in a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Kalyanaraman Meena , McQueen Derrick , Sykes Joseph A. , Mikkilineni Sushmita , Aizley Cheryle , Kelly Mary Jean , Wiggins Maryellen
Published: May 2013

Objectives:

To evaluate the impact of nurse integrated rounds (NIRs) on self-reported comprehension, attitudes, and practices of nurses and resident physicians (RPs) in a pediatric intensive care unit (PICU).

Materials and methods:

A self-reported comprehension, attitude, and practice survey of RPs and nurses was done prior to (T0), 3 months (T3), and 15 months (T15) after initiation of NIRs in our PICU. Responses were graded on Likert-type scale from 1 to 5. The RPs, attending physicians, and nurses also ranked their overall perception of NIRs during these 3 survey time periods.

Results:

All 3 components of the surveys showed statistically significant improvement ( P < .05) from the T0 to T3 and T15 in RPs and nurses. A complete or almost complete reversal of attitude was noted for most questions in the attitude section in both RPs and nurses when T15 was compared to T0. The overall perception that NIRs was good for patient care also showed significant improvement in the survey of nurses and physicians.

Conclusions:

The NIRs are well accepted by nurses and physicians and are accompanied by self-reported improvements in comprehension, attitudes, and practices of nurses and RPs in the PICU.
Agitation During Prolonged Mechanical Ventilation at a Long-Term Acute Care Hospital
Authors: O'Connor Heidi , Al-Qadheeb Nada S. , White Alexander C. , Thaker Vishal , Devlin John W.
Published: May 2013

Introduction:

The prevalence, risk factors, treatment practices, and outcomes of agitation in patients undergoing prolonged mechanical ventilation (PMV) in the long-term acute care hospital (LTACH) setting are not well understood. We compared agitation risk factors, management strategies, and outcomes between patients who developed agitation and those who did not, in LTACH patients undergoing PMV.

Methods:

Patients admitted to an LTACH for PMV over a 1-year period were categorized into agitated and nonagitated groups. The presence of agitation risk factors, management strategies, and relevant outcomes were extracted and compared between the 2 groups.

Results:

A total of 80 patients were included, 41% (33) with agitation and 59% (47) without. Compared to the nonagitated group, the agitated group had a lower Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score ( P < .0006), a greater transfer rate from an academic center ( P = .05), a greater delirium frequency at both baseline ( P = .04) and during admission ( P < .001), and a greater rate of benzodiazepine discontinuation ( P = .02). Although the use of scheduled antipsychotic ( P = .0005) or restraint ( P = .002) therapy was more common in the agitated group, use of benzodiazepines ( P = .16), opioids ( P = .11), or psychiatric evaluation ( P = .90) was not. Weaning success, duration of LTACH stay, and daily costs were similar.

Conclusion:

Agitation among the LTACH patients undergoing PMV is associated with greater delirium and use of antipsychotics and restraints but does not influence weaning success or LTACH stay. Strategies focused on agitation prevention and treatment in this population need to be developed and formally evaluated.
The fascination with eros
Authors: Horvath Agnes
Published: May 2013

Plato’s work offers insights into the corrosive impact of eros, insights central for contemporary politics. The article combines an in-depth reading of Plato with a case study, arguing for the relevance of communism. This is because love also establishes a relationship of subordination to the object of desire, which can subjugate and entrap the lover in his or her feelings. Such instrumentalization of eros in communism was promoted by adherents being supposed to love the sufferers. The obligation that to understand and help the sufferers one must become a sufferer turned suffering into an autopoietic system. The acceptance of such instrumentalization of love was rendered possible first by a sense of guilt due to the system of passionate interests (Tarde and Latour), connected to the rise of capitalism as a solution for the period of civil wars, and then by the liminal conditions that emerged, especially in eastern Europe, after two world wars; conditions that were purposefully perpetuated through staging a sacrificial system, paralysing social life. The character of such liminal leaders can be analysed through the figure of the trickster, developed by anthropologists, complementing Weber’s notion of charisma. While communism disappeared as a force, contemporary political life is increasingly reduced to a politics of victimhood and suffering, where the search for the good life is replaced by the double negation of eliminating all suffering from the world – an effort that only produces the opposite result, while public reality becomes torn apart by sex scandals, confirming Foucault’s insight about the investment of desire and enslavement to sexuality.
Development of a method for extraction and assay of human erythrocyte acetylcholinesterase and pesticide inhibition
Authors: Linhares A.G. , Assis C.R.D. , Siqueira M.T. , Bezerra R.S. , Carvalho L.B.
Published: May 2013

A method of extracting membranes from red blood cells (RBCs) is described, which were in turn used to assay acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity. The evidence for the enzyme activity was established by selective inhibition using 1,5- bis(4-allyldimethylammoniumphenyl) pentan-3-one dibromide, tetraisopropyl pyrophosphoramide and neostigmine. Blood samples were exposed to three organophosphorus (dichlorvos, chlorpyrifos and diazinon) and two carbamate (carbaryl and carbofuran) pesticides. Afterwards AChE activities in RBC membranes were determined. The concentrations capable to inhibit the enzyme activity by 50% (IC50) for the pesticides were 10.66 µM (dichlorvos), 21.42 µM (chlorpyrifos), 109.98 µM (carbaryl) and 5.44 µM (carbofuran). The results related to 20% enzyme inhibition (level used in the estimation of threshold limits for anticholinesterase compounds) were below those acceptable daily intake values enacted by relevant national and international regulations. These results suggest that the proposed AChE extraction from RBC and assay could be a suitable method for monitoring occupational exposure to pesticides.
Development of Culturally Tailored Educational Brochures on HPV and Pap Tests for American Indian Women
Authors: Sharpe Patricia A. , Brandt Heather M. , McCree Donna H. , Owl-Myers Elizabeth , Taylor Betty , Mullins Glenda
Published: May 2013

Purpose: Participatory formative research guided the creation of a culturally tailored educational brochure about human papillomavirus (HPV) at an American Indian women’s clinic. Method: A review of existing educational materials and in-depth interviews were conducted. Nine steps for creating health communications messages that were patterned after National Cancer Institute guidelines guided the brochure development process. Results: Of 95 women tested for HPV, 41% were positive, 32 (34%) agreed to the in-depth interview, and 9 agreed to the pretesting interview. Mean age was 41 years. Interviews revealed key themes concerning emotional reactions to abnormal Pap test results and HPV; need for basic information about HPV, Pap tests, and results; concerns about HPV stigma, sexual transmission, and communication with sexual partner; and the preferred source and format for HPV educational materials. A literature review revealed 12 areas of basic HPV content. Conclusions: A participatory process successfully engaged nursing staff and patients in creating culturally appropriate brochures for clinic use. Implications for Practice: This article provides specific steps for creating culturally tailored patient education materials.
The Local Governance of Street Sex Work in the United Kingdom
Authors: Sagar Tracey , Jones Debbie
Published: May 2013

The 2006 Coordinated Prostitution Strategy set out the aim of the then New Labour government to eradicate sex work from the streets of England and Wales. Towards achieving this Utopia, localized consultation with the community was demanded to ascertain community need to facilitate the development of evidence-based policies that would reside within existing local community safety frameworks. This article draws on an empirical study that considered “community perspectives” of street sex work in the Capital of Wales, Cardiff, in 2010. Adopting a mixed methodology, the study engaged with community members most affected by street sex work to develop realistic evidence-based policy. Our findings deconstruct central perceptions regarding the “inevitability” of sex work and offer potential solutions from the community perspective. This raises questions about how community opinion is incorporated within local policy-making processes, where that opinion differs substantially from central policy. We argue that community consultation must be ethical in the sense that consultation findings must be capable of having some impact on policy decision making/development. In conclusion, we urge local partnerships and central governments to listen to the views from the “shop floor” and consider carefully the strategies suggested by communities—however bold they might be.
Treatment of Acute Silicoproteinosis by Whole-Lung Lavage
Authors: Stafford Marshall , Cappa Anthony , Weyant Michael , Lara Abigail , Ellis James , Weitzel Nathaen S. , Puskas Ferenc
Published: May 2013

Acute silicoproteinosis is a rare disease that occurs following a heavy inhalational exposure to silica dusts. Clinically, it resembles pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP); silica exposure is thought to be a cause of secondary PAP. We describe a patient with biopsy-confirmed acute silicoproteinosis whose course was complicated by acute hypoxemic respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation. Without clinical improvement despite antibiotic and steroid treatment, the patient was scheduled for whole-lung lavage under general anesthesia. Anesthetic challenges included double-lumen tube placement and single-lung ventilation in a hypoxic patient, facilitating lung lavage, and protecting the contralateral lung from catastrophic spillage.
Risk factors for falls in multiple sclerosis: an observational study
Authors: Gunn Hilary , Creanor Siobhan , Haas Bernhard , Marsden Jonathan , Freeman Jennifer
Published: May 2013

Background:

People with multiple sclerosis (MS) experience frequent falls, which are associated with impairments and limitations to activities and participations.

Objective:

The objective of this paper is to evaluate falls risk factors using robust clinical measures.

Methods:

A total of 150 individuals (confirmed MS diagnosis, Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) 3.5–6.5) were recruited, with 148 participants included in the final analysis. Demographic data were collected and performance assessed in eight predictor measures (Physiological Profile Assessment (PPA), Brief Ataxia Rating scale, Ashworth scale (Ashworth), Modified Falls Efficacy scale, Symbol Digit Modalities Test, dual-task interference, lying/standing blood pressure, static/dynamic visual acuity). Participants prospectively recorded falls over three months using a daily diary. People were classified as “fallers” based on reports of ≥ two falls.

Results:

A total of 104 participants recorded 672 falls; 78 (52.7%) reported ≥ two falls. Continence issues, previous falls history and use of prescribed medications were each associated with increased risk of being a “faller”. Ashworth and PPA risk score contributed significantly to a logistic regression model predicting faller/non-faller classification. The reduced model (Ashworth, PPA, EDSS) showed fair-to-good predictive ability (ROC c-statistic 0.73, sensitivity 70%, specificity 69%).

Conclusion:

This study confirms the high prevalence of falls in ambulant people with MS. Important potentially modifiable risk factors are identified, suggesting aspects to target in falls interventions.
Drive-thru linguistic landscaping: Constructing a linguistically dominant place in a bilingual space
Authors: Hult Francis M.
Published: May 2013

Despite the rich societal multilingualism of the United States, the ideological construction of English dominance continues to cast a shadow over other languages. Among the mechanisms that contribute to this state of affairs (e.g. educational policy and conservative language activism), visual language use in public spaces plays a salient role. A growing body of linguistic landscape research highlights the centrality of visual environments in the discursive construction of multilingual settings. Drawing upon nexus analysis together with principles of geosemiotics, the present study explores the discursive processes through which a particular image of San Antonio’s linguistic sense of place, one of English dominance despite its demographic bilingualism, is constructed. Visual data were collected on San Antonio’s highway system, an extensive network that traverses the city and is lined with billboard signs and commercial establishments. Data analysis shows that a confluence of (trans)national, cultural and economic discourses mediates language choices on signs. English is normalized as an unmarked language for all aspects of the linguistic landscape, reproducing national language ideologies about the status of English in the United States. Spanish, in turn, is associated with transnational migration as well as limited community and family domains.
Spatial interaction in Sámiland: Regulative and transitory chronotopes in the dynamic multilingual landscape of an indigenous Sámi village
Authors: Pietikäinen Sari
Published: May 2013

Using the example of the linguistic landscape of an indigenous Sámi village in northern Scandinavia, this article explores multilingualism in public signs located in public spaces of the village. Based on long-standing ethnographic and discourse analytical research on multilingualism in the spaces and practices in the peripheral locality of Sámiland, I will focus on the temporal and spatial dimensions of the signs. In this, Bakhtin’s concept of the chronotope is applied. Two chronotopes are identified and examined with regard to language change, mobility and multilingualism in public spaces. It is argued that linguistic landscapes often highlight spatial normativity and creativity, as well as local semiotic interventions, all embedded in historical, political and economic conditions.
The jealous god: A problem in the definition of nationalism
Authors: Millard Gregory
Published: May 2013

Scholarly definitions of nationalism often characterize the nation as the supreme object of loyalty (a ‘jealous god’). Such restrictive definitions are unwise because they needlessly exclude a wide range of pro-national beliefs and practices. Demonstrating this, however, is harder than often thought, because the close linkage between nation and jurisdiction seems to entail a prioritization of national attachment over other identities. More pluralist accounts of nationhood, such as those of Margaret Moore or Charles Taylor, only partially resolve this dilemma, which requires consideration of the ultimate sacrifices entailed by war and conscription. Yet these cases of ultimate sacrifice should be understood not as endemic to nationhood alone but to all forms of strong communal attachment, when faced with existential threat. As it is this threat, rather than nationhood per se, that drives nationalism to take absolute forms, restrictive definitions may justifiably be rejected.
Hydrodynamic analysis of puller and pusher of azimuthing podded drive at various yaw angles
Authors: Shamsi Reza , Ghassemi Hassan
Published: May 2013

The research explained in this article was carried out to investigate the hydrodynamic characteristics of the puller and pusher azimuthing podded drive propulsion at various yaw angles and different operating conditions. The method is finite volume–based Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes. The renormalization group k-ε model is employed using the differential viscosity model and swirl-dominated flow to simulate turbulence. For the purposes of this research, two different propellers (B-series and David Taylor Model Basin (DTMB)) are analysed in pusher and puller of azimuthing podded drive configurations. The performance curves of the propellers obtained by numerical methods are compared and verified by the experimental results. Characteristic parameters including torque and thrust of propeller and axial force and side force of the unit are presented as functions of advance coefficients and yaw angles.
Two young women with chronic daily headache and cognitive impairment: why we need to ask about headache in the postpartum period
Authors: Beams Jennifer L , Rozen Todd D
Published: May 2013

Headache, which has a variety of causes, is a common and disabling complaint following childbirth. An important aetiology not to be missed is headache from epidural spinal anaesthesia, known as postdural puncture headache (PDPH), which has been reported in upwards of 85% of pregnant women and is a manifestation of intracranial hypotension from leakage of cerebrospinal (CSF) fluid through a dural tear. The common presenting symptom of PDPH is head pain occurring when a patient is in an upright position that resolves with recumbency. Other neurological issues associated with intracranial hypotension can include cranial nerve palsies, encephalopathy and Parkinsonism. We present two cases of persistent PDPH after pregnancy with secondary cognitive impairment. A review of the clinical manifestations, neuroimaging findings and treatment for PDPH will be presented. Better recognition of this disorder by obstetricians, physicians and anaesthetics will help to reduce the considerable morbidity this syndrome can produce in young mothers.
Muscle Injuries in Athletes
Authors: Delos Demetris , Maak Travis G. , Rodeo Scott A.
Published: May 2013

Context:

Muscle injuries are extremely common in athletes and often produce pain, dysfunction, and the inability to return to practice or competition. Appropriate diagnosis and management can optimize recovery and minimize time to return to play.

Evidence Acquisition:

Contemporary papers, both basic science and clinical medicine, that investigate muscle healing were reviewed. A Medline/PubMed search inclusive of years 1948 to 2012 was performed.

Results:

Diagnosis can usually be made according to history and physical examination for most injuries. Although data are limited, initial conservative management emphasizing the RICE principles and immobilization of the extremity for several days for higher grade injuries are typically all that is required. Injection of corticosteroids may clinically enhance function after an acute muscle strain. Additional adjunctive treatments (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, platelet-rich plasma, and others) to enhance muscle healing and limit scar formation show promise but need additional data to better define their roles.

Conclusion:

Conservative treatment recommendations will typically lead to successful outcomes after a muscle injury. There is limited evidence to support most adjunctive treatments.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Athletes
Authors: White Russell D. , Harris George D. , Gibson Margaret E.
Published: May 2013

Context:

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is common in the general population, and many individuals with this condition participate in sports activity at all competition levels.

Evidence Acquisition:

Related studies were selected through literature searches of PubMed, MEDLINE, and Cochrane databases for the years 1991 to 2011. Key search terms were ADD, ADHD, sports, athletes, athletics, guidelines, NCAA, WADA, IOC, college, concussion, diagnosis, management, treatment, evaluation, return-to-play, pharmacotherapy, adult, adolescent, student, screening, injury, risk, neuropsychiatry, TBI, traumatic brain injury, and epidemiology.

Study Design:

Literature review.

Level of Evidence:

Level 4.

Results:

ADHD usually has an early onset, with delayed diagnosis in some patients due to heterogeneous presentations. Suspected cases can be evaluated with available diagnostic tools and confirmed clinically. Athletes with ADHD may participate at all competition levels.

Conclusion:

Athletes with ADHD are able to participate at all competition levels by following published guidelines and requirements. Exercise benefits many athletes with ADHD. The relationship between ADHD and concussion syndromes is currently under investigation.
Sonographic Evaluation and Detection of Pediatric Hematometrocolpos
Authors: Hilbert Emily Rose
Published: May 2013

Hematometrocolpos is the presence of blood in the uterus and vagina and is a rare gynecologic pathology in pediatric patients. Often, symptoms of hematometrocolpos are mild and not diagnosed until the onset of puberty. A case is presented of severe persistent hematometrocolpos in a female pediatric patient. The patient experienced urinary retention and abdominal distension due to the markedly enlarged vagina. The patient was primarily followed with sonography, although other imaging modalities were used as necessary to properly diagnose and manage the patient, who was successfully treated with vaginoplasty.
GM-CSF–dependent pSTAT5 sensitivity is a feature with therapeutic potential in chronic myelomonocytic leukemia
Authors: Padron Eric , Painter Jeffrey S. , Kunigal Sateesh , Mailloux Adam W. , McGraw Kathy , McDaniel Jessica M. , Kim Eunhee , Bebbington Christopher , Baer Mark , Yarranton Geoffrey , Lancet Jeffrey , Komrokji Rami S. , Abdel-Wahab Omar , List Alan F. , Epling-Burnette Pearlie K.
Published: May 2013

Key Points

GM-CSF–dependent STAT5 hypersensitivity is detected in 90% of CMML samples and is enhanced by signaling mutations. Treatment with a GM-CSF–neutralizing antibody and JAK2 inhibitors reveals therapeutic potential.
Clinical impact of DNMT3A mutations in younger adult patients with acute myeloid leukemia: results of the AML Study Group (AMLSG)
Authors: Gaidzik Verena I. , Schlenk Richard F. , Paschka Peter , Stölzle Anja , Späth Daniela , Kuendgen Andrea , von Lilienfeld-Toal Marie , Brugger Wolfram , Derigs Hans Günter , Kremers Stephan , Greil Richard , Raghavachar Aruna , Ringhoffer Mark , Salih Helmut R. , Wattad Mohammed , Kirchen Heinz G. , Runde Volker , Heil Gerhard , Petzer Andreas L. , Girschikofsky Michael , Heuser Michael , Kayser Sabine , Goehring Gudrun , Teleanu Maria-Veronica , Schlegelberger Brigitte , Ganser Arnold , Krauter Jürgen , Bullinger Lars , Döhner Hartmut , Döhner Konstanze
Published: May 2013

Key Points

DNMT3A mutations are frequent in younger adults with AML and have no significant impact on survival end points. Only moderate effects on outcome, depending on molecular subgroup and DNMT3A mutation type, could be observed.
ASB2α regulates migration of immature dendritic cells
Authors: Lamsoul Isabelle , Métais Arnaud , Gouot Emmanuelle , Heuzé Mélina L. , Lennon-Duménil Ana-Maria , Moog-Lutz Christel , Lutz Pierre G.
Published: May 2013

Key Points

By demonstrating a novel mechanism of regulation of FLN stability by ASB2α, our results point to FLNs and ASB2α as new players in DC biology. Our data highlight a new degree of complexity in the events that regulate cell motility of immature DCs.
Trimeric G protein-CARMA1 axis links smoothened, the hedgehog receptor transducer, to NF-κB activation in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma
Authors: Qu Changju , Liu Yadong , Kunkalla Kranthi , Singh Rajesh R. , Blonska Marzenna , Lin Xin , Agarwal Nitin Kumar , Vega Francisco
Published: May 2013

Key Points

Novel crosstalk between SMO and NF-κB representing additional level of NF-κB regulation independent of genetic constitutive activation. SMO activates NF-κB by recruiting Gαi and Gα12 to activate PKCβ/CARMA1 and assembling CARMA1/BCL10/MALT1/TRAF6 to SMO.
Origin, evolution and classification of type-3 copper proteins: lineage-specific gene expansions and losses across the Metazoa
Authors: Aguilera Felipe , McDougall Carmel , Degnan Bernard M
Published: May 2013

Background

Tyrosinases, tyrosinase-related proteins, catechol oxidases and hemocyanins comprise the type-3 copper protein family and are involved in a variety of biological processes, including pigment formation, innate immunity and oxygen transport. Although this family is present in the three domains of life, its origin and early evolution are not well understood. Previous analyses of type-3 copper proteins largely have focussed on specific animal and plant phyla.

Results

Here, we combine genomic, phylogenetic and structural analyses to show that the original type-3 copper protein possessed a signal peptide and may have been secreted (we designate proteins of this type the α subclass). This ancestral type-3 copper protein gene underwent two duplication events, the first prior to the divergence of the unikont eukaryotic lineages and the second before the diversification of animals. The former duplication gave rise to a cytosolic form (β) and the latter to a membrane-bound form (γ). Structural comparisons reveal that the active site of α and γ forms are covered by aliphatic amino acids, and the β form has a highly conserved aromatic residue in this position. The subsequent evolution of this gene family in modern lineages of multicellular eukaryotes is typified by the loss of one or more of these three subclasses and the lineage-specific expansion of one or both of the remaining subclasses.

Conclusions

The diversity of type-3 copper proteins in animals and other eukaryotes is consistent with two ancient gene duplication events leading to α, β and γ subclasses, followed by the differential loss and expansion of one or more of these subclasses in specific kingdoms and phyla. This has led to many lineage-specific type-3 copper protein repertoires and in some cases the independent evolution of functionally-classified tyrosinases and hemocyanins. For example, the oxygen-carrying hemocyanins in arthropods evolved from a β-subclass tyrosinase, whilst hemocyanins in molluscs and urochordates evolved independently from an α-subclass tyrosinase. Minor conformational changes at the active site of α, β and γ forms can produce type-3 copper proteins with capacities to either carry oxygen (hemocyanins), oxidize diphenols (catechol oxidase) or o-hydroxylate monophenols (tyrosinases) and appear to underlie some functional convergences.
Molecular evidence for natural hybridization in the mangrove fern genus Acrostichum
Authors: Zhang Rongshu , Liu Ting , Wu Wei , Li Yunqin , Chao Lifang , Huang Lishi , Huang Yelin , Shi Suhua , Zhou Renchao
Published: May 2013

Background

Natural hybridization is prevalent in ferns, and plays an important role in fern evolution and speciation. In the Indo West-Pacific region, the mangrove fern genusAcrostichumconsists of two largely sympatric species,A. aureumandA. speciosum. Although there has been no report of interspecific hybridization before, we found some individuals morphologically intermediate between them in Guangdong and Hainan, China, for the first time, which were suspected to be hybrids. In this study, we aimed to test the hypothesis of natural hybridization betweenA. aureumandA. speciosumin Guangdong and Hainan using three low-copy nuclear genes. A chloroplast intergenic spacer was used to infer the hybridization direction once the hybrid status was confirmed. In addition, we examined spore shapes and germination for these taxa.

Results

BothA. aureumandA. speciosumshowed a low level of polymorphism at all three nuclear genes; however, they were well separated at these loci. At both locations, each individual of the putative hybrid showed additivity in chromatograms at all sites where the two species showed fixed differences. Haplotype analysis at all three nuclear genes indicated that each individual of the putative hybrid possessed two haplotypes, matching with those ofA. aureumandA. speciosum, respectively. Sequencing of the chloroplasttrnV-trnM regions showed thatA. aureumdiffered fromA. speciosumby eleven nucleotide substitutions and three indels (insertions/deletions), and all sampled individuals of the putative hybrid had the identical sequences withA. speciosum.Compared withA. aureumandA. speciosum, the putative hybrid had much reduced spore germination rate.

Conclusions

Sequence data of the three nuclear genes provide compelling evidence for natural hybridization betweenA. aureumandA. speciosum, and all the hybrid individuals are likely F1s. The hybridization is unidirectional andA. speciosumis the maternal parent of the hybrid based on the assumption of maternal inheritance of chloroplast DNA. Human disturbance on mangrove habitats may facilitate the establishment of hybrids ofAcrostichum.
Developing a questionnaire to identify perceived barriers for implementing the Dutch physical therapy COPD clinical practice guideline
Authors: van der Wees Philip J , Zagers Cor AM , de Die Sara E , Hendriks Erik JM , Nijhuis-van der Sanden Maria WG , de Bie Rob A
Published: May 2013

Background

Clinical practice guidelines have been developed to assist healthcare practitioners in clinical decision making. Publication of clinical practice guidelines does not automatically lead to their uptake and barrier identification has been recognized as an important step in implementation planning. This study aimed at developing a questionnaire to identify perceived barriers for implementing the Dutch COPD guideline for physical therapists and its recommended measurement instruments.

Methods

An overall questionnaire, based on two existing questionnaires, was constructed to identify barriers and facilitators for implementing the COPD guideline. The construct of the questionnaire was assessed in a cross-sectional study among 246 chest physical therapists. Factor analysis was conducted to explore underlying dimensions. Psychometric properties were analyzed using Cronbach’s alpha. Barriers and facilitators were assessed using descriptive statistics.

Results

Some 139 physical therapists (57%) responded. Factor analysis revealed 4-factor and 5-factor solutions with an explained variance of 36% and 39% respectively. Cronbach’s alpha of the overall questionnaire was 0.90, and varied from 0.66 to 0.92 for the different factors. Underlying domains of the 5-factor solution were characterized as: attitude towards using measurement instruments, knowledge and skills of the physical therapist, applicability of the COPD guideline, required investment of time & money, and patient characteristics. Physical therapists showed a positive attitude toward using the COPD guideline. Main barriers for implementation were required time investment and financial constraints.

Conclusions

The construct of the questionnaire revealed relevant underlying domains for the identification of barriers and facilitators for implementing the COPD guideline. The questionnaire allowed for tailoring to the target group and may be used across health care professionals as basis for in-depth analysis of barriers to specific recommendations in guidelines. The results of the questionnaire alone do not provide sufficient information to inform the development of an implementation strategy. The infrastructure for developing the guideline can be used for addressing key barriers by the guideline development group, using the questionnaire as well as in-depth analysis such as focus group interviews. Further development of methods for prospective identification of barriers and consequent tailoring of implementation interventions is required.
Neuropathogenic Escherichia coli K1 does not exhibit proteolytic activities to exert its pathogenicity
Authors: Iqbal Junaid , Rajani Mehak , Siddiqui Ruqaiyyah , Khan Naveed Ahmed
Published: May 2013

Background

Proteases are well-known virulence factors that promote survival, pathogenesis and immune evasion of many pathogens. Several lines of evidence suggest that the blood–brain barrier permeability is a prerequisite in microbial invasion of the central nervous system. Because proteases are frequently associated with vascular permeability by targeting junctional proteins, here it is hypothesized that neuropathogenic Escherichia coli K1 exhibit proteolytic activities to exert its pathogenicity.

Methods

Zymographic assays were performed using collagen and gelatin as substrates. The lysates of whole E. coli K1 strain E44, or E. coli K-12 strain HB101 were tested for proteolytic activities. The conditioned media were prepared by incubating bacteria in RPMI-1640 in the presence or absence of serum. The cell-free supernatants were collected and tested for proteases in zymography as mentioned above. Additionally, proteolytic degradation of host immune factors was determined by co-incubating conditioned media with albumin/immunoglobulins using protease assays.

Results

When collagen or gelatin were used as substrates in zymographic assays, neither whole bacteria nor conditioned media exhibited proteolytic activities. The conditioned media of neuropathogenic E. coli K1 strain E44, or E. coli K-12 strain HB101 did not affect degradation of albumin and immunoglobulins using protease assays.

Conclusions

Neither zymographic assays nor protease assays detected proteolytic activities in either the whole bacteria or conditioned media of E. coli K1 strain E44 and E. coli K-12 strain HB101. These findings suggest that host cell monolayer disruptions and immune evasion strategies are likely independent of proteolytic activities of neuropathogenic E. coli K1.
NH2+ implantations induced superior hemocompatibility of carbon nanotubes
Authors: Guo Meixian , Li Dejun , Zhao Mengli , Zhang Yiteng , Deng Xiangyun , Geng Dongsheng , Li Ruying , Sun Xueliang , Gu Hanqing , Wan Rongxin
Published: May 2013

NH2
+ implantation was performed on multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) prepared by chemical vapor deposition. The hemocompatibility of MWCNTs and NH2
+-implanted MWCNTs was evaluated based on in vitro hemolysis, platelet adhesion, and kinetic-clotting tests. Compared with MWCNTs, NH2
+-implanted MWCNTs displayed more perfect platelets and red blood cells in morphology, lower platelet adhesion rate, lower hemolytic rate, and longer kinetic blood-clotting time. NH2
+-implanted MWCNTs with higher fluency of 1 × 1016 ions/cm2 led to the best thromboresistance, hence desired hemocompatibility. Fourier transfer infrared and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analyses showed that NH2
+ implantation caused the cleavage of some pendants and the formation of some new N-containing functional groups. These results were responsible for the enhanced hemocompatibility of NH2
+-implanted MWCNTs.
Platelet activation suppresses HIV-1 infection of T cells
Authors: Solomon Tsegaye Theodros , Gnirß Kerstin , Rahe-Meyer Niels , Kiene Miriam , Krämer-Kühl Annika , Behrens Georg , Münch Jan , Pöhlmann Stefan
Published: May 2013

Background

Platelets, anucleate cell fragments abundant in human blood, can capture HIV-1 and platelet counts have been associated with viral load and disease progression. However, the impact of platelets on HIV-1 infection of T cells is unclear.

Results

We found that platelets suppress HIV-1 spread in co-cultured T cells in a concentration-dependent manner. Platelets containing granules inhibited HIV-1 spread in T cells more efficiently than degranulated platelets, indicating that the granule content might exert antiviral activity. Indeed, supernatants from activated and thus degranulated platelets suppressed HIV-1 infection. Infection was inhibited at the stage of host cell entry and inhibition was independent of the viral strain or coreceptor tropism. In contrast, blockade of HIV-2 and SIV entry was less efficient. The chemokine CXCL4, a major component of platelet granules, blocked HIV-1 entry and neutralization of CXCL4 in platelet supernatants largely abrogated their anti-HIV-1 activity.

Conclusions

Release of CXCL4 by activated platelets inhibits HIV-1 infection of adjacent T cells at the stage of virus entry. The inhibitory activity of platelet-derived CXCL4 suggests a role of platelets in the defense against infection by HIV-1 and potentially other pathogens.
Detection of specific HPV subtypes responsible for the pathogenesis of condylomata acuminata
Authors: Hawkins Matthew G , Winder David M , Ball Siolian LR , Vaughan Katie , Sonnex Christopher , Stanley Margaret A , Sterling Jane C , Goon Peter KC
Published: May 2013

Background

The low-risk human papillomavirus types 6 and 11 are responsible for approximately 90% of anogenital wart cases, with approximately 190,000 new and recurrent cases reported in the UK in 2010. The UK has recently selected the quadrivalent HPV vaccine, which conveys protection against both HPV6 and HPV 11, as part of its immunisation programme for 2012 and it is expected that this will reduce disease burden in the UK. The aims of the study were to evaluate current strategies used for the monitoring of HPV infection in genital warts and to assess the suitability of laser-capture microdissection (LCM) as a technique to improve the understanding of the natural history of HPV types associated with genital wart lesions.

Methods

DNA and RNA were extracted from whole wart, surface swabs and LCM sections from 23 patients. HPV types present were determined using the Linear Array HPV Genotyping Test (Roche), with HPV DNA viral load and mRNA expression investigated using qPCR and qRT-PCR, respectively.

Results

Results indicated that swabbing the surface of warts does not accurately reflect potential causative HPV types present within a wart lesion, multiple HPV types being present on the surface of the wart that are absent in the lower layers of tissue isolated by LCM. Although it was shown that HPV DNA viral load does not directly correlate with HPV mRNA load, the presence of both DNA and mRNA from a single HPV type suggested a causative role in lesion development in 8/12 (66.6%) of patients analysed, with dual infections seen in 4/12 (33.3%) cases. HPV 6 and HPV 11 were present in more than 90% of the lesions examined.

Conclusions

Surface swabbing of warts does not necessarily reflect the causative HPV types. HPV type specific DNA and mRNA loads do not correlate. HPV 6 and 11 were likely to be causally involved in over 90% of the lesions. Dual infections were also found, and further studies are required to determine the biological and clinical nature of dual/multiple infections and to establish the relationship of multiple HPV types within a single lesion.