bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Plasma Cardiac Troponin I Concentration and Cardiac Death in Cats with Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Borgeat K. , Sherwood K. , Payne J.R. , Luis Fuentes V. , Connolly D.J.
Published: October 2014

Background

The use of cardiac biomarkers to assist in the diagnosis of occult and symptomatic hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) in cats has been established. There is limited data describing their prognostic utility in cats withHCM.

Hypothesis

Circulating concentrations of N‐terminal B‐type natriuretic peptide (NTproBNP) and cardiac troponin I (cTnI) predict cardiac death in cats withHCM.

Animals

Forty‐one cats diagnosed withHCMat a veterinary teaching hospital, between February 2010 and May 2011.

Methods

Prospective investigational study. Plasma samples were collected from cats diagnosed withHCMand concentrations of NTproBNP andcTnIwere analyzed at a commercial laboratory. Echocardiographic measurements from the day of blood sampling were recorded. Long‐term outcome data were obtained. Associations with time to cardiac death were analyzed using Cox proportional hazards models.

Results

When controlling for the presence/absence of heart failure and echocardiographic measures of left atrial size and function, cTnI > 0.7 ng/mL was independently associated with time to cardiac death. In univariable analysis, NTproBNP > 250 pmol/L was associated with cardiac death (P = .023), but this did not remain significant (P = .951) when controlling for the effect of clinical signs or left atrial size/function.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Plasma concentration of cTnI (cutoff >0.7 ng/mL) is a predictor of cardiac death in cats withHCMthat is independent of the presence of heart failure or left atrial dilatation.
Clinical Findings and Survival in 56 Sick Neonatal New World Camelids
Authors: Bertin F.R. , Squires J.M. , Kritchevsky J.E. , Taylor S.D.
Published: October 2014

Background

Information pertaining to clinical presentation and outcome of neonatal New World camelids (NWC) is limited when compared to calves and foals.

Hypothesis

Values of variables at admission and subsequent treatment would predict survival in sick neonatalNWC.

Animals

Fifty‐six client‐owned sick neonatalNWCpresented over a 10‐year period to the Purdue University Veterinary Teaching Hospital.

Methods

A retrospective study was performed. Inclusion criteria wereNWCless than 30 days of age with complete medical records that presented between 2000 and 2010.

Results

The median age at presentation was 1 day (range 1–20). The most common diagnoses were systemic inflammatory response syndrome (50%), congenital defects (41%), ophthalmic lesions (21%), sepsis (16%), and gastrointestinal diseases (16%). Sixty‐six percent ofNWCsurvived to discharge. Clinicopathologic findings on admission were variable and not specific for disorders. Factors associated with survival were absence of choanal atresia (P = .001,OR: 55.9 [2.5–1,232]), administration of llama plasma (P = .013,OR: 4.9 [1.4–17.7]), and antimicrobial treatment with trimethoprim‐sulfamethoxazole (TMS) (P = .016,OR: 6.5 [1.3–32.2]).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

The use of antibiotics, particularlyTMS, and llama plasma are recommended in sick neonatalNWC. Results from this study could contribute toward defining aNWC‐specific sepsis scoring system.
Unemployment Insurance and Entrepreneurship
Authors: Røed Knut , Skogstrøm Jens Fredrik
Published: October 2014

Based on administrative registers from Norway, we examine how unemployment insurance (UI) and active labor market programs (ALMP) affect the transition rates from unemployment to regular employment and entrepreneurship, as well as subsequent earnings levels. We find that both the employment and entrepreneurship hazards rise sharply in response to UI sanctions and UI exhaustion. On average, transitions to entrepreneurship are more profitable than transitions to regular employment. While employment transitions are highly pro‐cyclical, entrepreneurship transitions are weakly counter‐cyclical. ALMPs targeted at entrepreneurship are rare in Norway, but the few start‐up subsidies that are provided are successful in terms of generating paid work.
Explicit Knowledge and Processes From a Usage‐Based Perspective: The Developmental Trajectory of an Instructed L2 Learner
Authors: Roehr‐Brackin Karen
Published: October 2014

This article considers explicit knowledge and processes in second language (L2) learning from a usage‐based theoretical perspective. It reports on the long‐term development of a single instructed adult learner's use of two L2 constructions, the German Perfekt ofgehen(“go,” “walk”) andfahren(“go by vehicle”), which was tracked over a period of more than 3 years. The results indicate that explicit knowledge and processes seemed to have a powerful impact on the participant's L2 learning and use, apparently enabling him to override the predicted bottom‐up developmental path in certain circumstances and take a top‐down approach instead. Specifically, it was found that the development offahrenwas consistent with the predicted trajectory of moving from item‐based to more schematic constructions. By contrast, the participant's use ofgehenwas characterized by schematic constructions almost from the beginning, suggesting a shortcut facilitated by explicit knowledge and processes. Both potential benefits and pitfalls associated with this alternative learning path are highlighted. The findings are explicated with reference to usage‐based and complexity/dynamic‐systems‐theoretic concepts, thus offering an integration of explicit knowledge and processes in L2 learning and use into this particular theoretical framework.
Demystifying the RAD fad
Authors: Puritz Jonathan B. , Matz Mikhail V. , Toonen Robert J. , Weber Jesse N. , Bolnick Daniel I. , Bird Christopher E.
Published: October 2014

We are writing in response to the population and phylogenomics meeting review by Andrews & Luikart () entitled ‘Recent novel approaches for population genomics data analysis’. Restriction‐site‐associated DNA (RAD) sequencing has become a powerful and useful approach in molecular ecology, with several different published methods now available to molecular ecologists, none of which can be considered the best option in all situations. A&L report that the original RAD protocol of Miller et al. () and Baird et al. () is superior to all other RAD variants because putative PCR duplicates can be identified (see Baxter et al. ), thereby reducing the impact of PCR artefacts on allele frequency estimates (Andrews & Luikart ). In response, we (i) challenge the assertion that the original RAD protocol minimizes the impact of PCR artefacts relative to that of other RAD protocols, (ii) present additional biases in RADseq that are at least as important as PCR artefacts in selecting a RAD protocol and (iii) highlight the strengths and weaknesses of four different approaches to RADseq which are a representative sample of all RAD variants: the original RAD protocol (mbRAD, Miller et al. ; Baird et al. ), double digest RAD (ddRAD, Peterson et al. ), ezRAD (Toonen et al. ) and 2bRAD (Wang et al. ). With an understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of different RAD protocols, researchers can make a more informed decision when selecting a RAD protocol.
Chlamydia trachomatis remodels stable microtubules to coordinate Golgi stack recruitment to the chlamydial inclusion surface
Authors: Al‐Zeer Munir A. , Al‐Younes Hesham M. , Kerr Markus , Abu‐Lubad Mohammad , Gonzalez Erik , Brinkmann Volker , Meyer Thomas F.
Published: October 2014

Chlamydia trachomatis (Ctr), an obligate intracellular bacterium, survives and replicates within a membrane‐bound vacuole, termed the inclusion, which intercepts host exocytic pathways to acquire nutrients. Ctr subverts cellular trafficking pathways from the Golgi by targeting small GTPases, including Rab proteins, to sustain intracellular bacterial replication; however, the precise mechanisms involved remain incompletely understood. Here, we show that Chlamydia infection in human epithelial cells induces microtubule remodeling, in particular the formation of detyrosinated stable MTs, to recruit Golgi ministacks, but not recycling endosomes, to the inclusion. These stable microtubules show increased resistance to chemically induced depolymerization, and their selective depletion results in reduced bacterial infectivity. Rab6 knockdown reversibly prevented not only Golgi ministack formation but also detyrosinated microtubule association with the inclusion. Our data demonstrate that Chlamydia co‐opts the function of stable microtubules to support its development.
Novel proteins for homocysteine biosynthesis in anaerobic microorganisms
Authors: Rauch Benjamin Julius , Gustafson Andrew , Perona John J.
Published: October 2014

The metabolic network for sulfide assimilation and trafficking in methanogens is largely unknown. To discover novel proteins required for these processes, we used bioinformatics to identify genes co‐occurring with the protein biosynthesis enzymeSepCysS, which converts phosphoseryl‐tRNACysto cysteinyl‐tRNACysin nearly all methanogens. Exhaustive analysis revealed three conserved protein families, each containing molecular signatures predicting function in sulfur metabolism. One of these families, classified within clusters of orthologous groups (COG) 1900, possesses two conserved cysteine residues and is often found in genomic contexts together with known sulfur metabolic genes. A second protein family is predicted to bind two 4Fe‐4Sclusters. All three genes were also identified in more than 50 strictly anaerobic bacterial genera from nine distinct phyla. Gene‐deletion and growth experiments inMethanosarcina acetivorans, using sulfide as the sole sulfur source, demonstrate that two of the proteins (MA1821 andMA1822) are essential to homocysteine biosynthesis in a background lacking an additional gene for sulfur insertion into homocysteine. Mutational analysis confirms the importance of several structural elements, including a conserved cysteine residue and the predicted 4Fe‐4Scluster‐binding domain.
Gastric vagal motoneuron function is maintained following experimental spinal cord injury
Authors: Swartz E. M. , Holmes G. M.
Published: October 2014

Background

Clinical reports indicate that spinal cord injury (SCI) initiates profound gastric dysfunction. Gastric reflexes involve stimulation of sensory vagal fibers, which engage brainstem circuits that modulate efferent output back to the stomach, thereby completing the vago‐vagal reflex. Our recent studies in a rodent model of experimental high thoracic (T3‐) SCI suggest that reduced vagal afferent sensitivity to gastrointestinal (GI) stimuli may be responsible for diminished gastric function. Nevertheless, derangements in efferent signals from the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus (DMV) to the stomach may also account for reduced motility.

Methods

We assessed the anatomical, neurophysiological, and functional integrity of gastric‐projecting DMV neurons in T3‐SCI rats using: (i) retrograde labeling of gastric‐projecting DMV neurons; (ii) whole cell recordings from gastric‐projecting neurons of the DMV; and, (iii) in vivo measurements of gastric contractions following unilateral microinjection of thyrotropin‐releasing hormone (TRH) into the DMV.

Key Results

Immunohistochemical analysis of gastric‐projecting DMV neurons demonstrated no difference between control and T3‐SCI rats. Whole cell in vitro recordings showed no alteration in DMV membrane properties and the neuronal morphology of these same, neurobiotin‐labeled, DMV neurons were unchanged after T3‐SCI with regard to cell size and dendritic arborization. Central microinjection of TRH induced a significant facilitation of gastric contractions in both control and T3‐SCI rats and there were no significant dose‐dependent differences between groups.

Conclusions & Inferences

Our data suggest that the acute, 3 day to 1 week post‐SCI, dysfunction of vagally mediated gastric reflexes do not include derangements in the efferent DMV motoneurons.
Reversible acute anuric kidney injury after surgical evacuation of perinephric hematomas as a complication of renal transplant biopsies
Authors: Adjei‐Gyamfi Y. , Koffman G. , Amies T. , Easty M. , Marks S. D. , McHugh K.
Published: October 2014

Percutaneous renal transplant biopsy is the gold standard investigation to diagnose the cause of renal allograft dysfunction. There are inherent risks to this investigation, despite the procedure becoming safer due to the increased utilization of ultrasound‐guided techniques. These biopsy risks can be increased when there is acute rejection present with a swollen transplanted kidney. Subcapsular hematomas are not uncommon after percutaneous renal transplant biopsies, but we describe two cases of post‐biopsy subcapsular hematoma which were associated with acute renal allograft dysfunction in pediatric renal transplant recipients who did not have acute rejection.
Solar UV Irradiances Modulate Effects of Ocean Acidification on the Coccolithophorid Emiliania huxleyi
Authors: Xu Kai , Gao Kunshan
Published: October 2014

Emiliania huxleyi, the most abundant coccolithophorid in the oceans, is naturally exposed to solar UV radiation (UVR, 280–400 nm) in addition to photosynthetically active radiation (PAR). We investigated the physiological responses of E. huxleyi to the present day and elevated CO2 (390 vs 1000 μatm; with pHNBS 8.20 vs 7.86) under indoor constant PAR and fluctuating solar radiation with or without UVR. Enrichment of CO2 stimulated the production rate of particulate organic carbon (POC) under constant PAR, but led to unchanged POC production under incident fluctuating solar radiation. The production rates of particulate inorganic carbon (PIC) as well as PIC/POC ratios were reduced under the elevated CO2, ocean acidification (OA) condition, regardless of PAR levels, and the presence of UVR. However, moderate levels of UVR increased PIC production rates and PIC/POC ratios. OA treatment interacted with UVR to influence the alga's physiological performance, leading to reduced specific growth rate in the presence of UVA (315–400 nm) and decreased quantum yield, along with enhanced nonphotochemical quenching, with addition of UVB (280–315 nm). The results clearly indicate that UV radiation needs to be invoked as a key stressor when considering the impacts of ocean acidification on E. huxleyi.
Origin and variability of a terminal Proterozoic primary silica precipitate, Athel Silicilyte, South Oman Salt Basin, Sultanate of Oman
Authors: Al Rajaibi Ibrahim M. , Hollis Cathy , Macquaker Joe H.
Published: October 2014

The Precambrian–Cambrian Athel Silicilyte is a 400 m thick, salt‐encased siliceous succession in the South Oman Salt Basin. It is a self‐sourcing hydrocarbon reservoir and comprises up to 95% microcrystalline quartz and exhibits wavy discontinuous lamination, comprising thin, alternating organic‐rich and silica‐rich layers. Textures and geochemical fingerprinting indicate that it is a primary precipitate formed by microbially mediated precipitation of silica from sea water, within the water column at the sulphidic/oxic interface. The unique occurrence of the Athel Silicilyte in the terminal Proterozoic implies that optimal conditions for this style of silica precipitation occurred only briefly. Basin anoxia, coupled with the growth of microbial mats, low pH and high silica pore water saturations, created optimal chemical conditions for silica precipitation. Volumes of microcrystalline quartz are highest within the transgressive and early highstand systems tract and towards the centre of the Athel Basin. At the basin margins, and within the late highstand systems tract, volumes of microcrystalline quartz decreased as the volume of detrital sediment increased. Mass‐balance calculations indicate that silica‐enriched sea water would have been supplied to the basin by infrequent marine incursions that replenished ambient sea water in the upper part of the water column. In conclusion, precipitation of the Athel Silicilyte was driven by the coincidence of basin restriction, limited clastic input, availability of organic matter and water column anoxia. The observation that there are few documented examples of chert deposits younger than ca 700 Ma, prior to the Cambrian explosion, suggests that although silica budgets within marine basins probably remained high prior to the evolution of silica‐secreting organisms, direct precipitation from sea water was restricted. This is tentatively related to the gradual increase in alkalinity of sea water through the Palaeo‐Proterozoic and Meso‐Proterozoic, such that silica precipitation could only occur through the coincidence of basin anoxia and low siliciclastic input.
An Application of Boundary Organisation Theory to Develop Landscape‐scale Conservation in Formal Agri‐environment Schemes
Authors: Franks Jeremy R.
Published: October 2014

Recent reviews of UK biodiversity conservation have emphasised the need to adopt a landscape‐scale approach. This study reports the problems encountered by farmers currently participating in landscape‐scale conservation options in a UK agri‐environment scheme. Many of these problems were overcome with the assistance of independent organisations working as intermediaries between farmers and between farmers and government agencies. Findings from two surveys of farmers not involved in landscape‐scale conservation in agri‐environmental schemes reveal the problems they expect to encounter to be similar to those faced by farmers with experience of successful collaboration. It is therefore likely prospective collaborators would also benefit from the assistance of similar independent intermediary organisations. Boundary organisation theory is used to compare organisations' structures and working practices against the characteristics of successful independent intermediary negotiating organisations. It is concluded that the boundary organisation theory framework can be usefully applied to identify organisational strengths and weaknesses, and to assess competences to assume the role of an independent intermediary negotiating organisation.
Community Satisfaction in Czech Rural Communities: A Multilevel Model
Authors: Bernard Josef
Published: October 2014

Community satisfaction is often regarded as an indicator of the quality of living in a local community. The author examines factors influencing community satisfaction in small rural communities of the Czech Republic. The contextual nature of this concept is taken into account. Previous analyses of factors influencing the inhabitants' satisfaction firmly emphasised subjective evaluations of various community characteristics. Objective contextual attributes of communities and localities were less often emphasised. Moreover, situations outside the USA and the UK have rarely been investigated. The author focused his research on the effect contextual characteristics of communities have on satisfaction in a Central European country. The analysis shows that while the subjective evaluations of community characteristics are a very good predictor of community satisfaction, their relationship to objective community characteristics is unclear.
Systematics and phylogeny of the Neotropical Pachymenes de Saussure and SantamenesGiordani Soika (Hymenoptera, Vespidae, Eumeninae)
Authors: GRANDINETE YURI C. , HERMES MARCEL G. , NOLL FERNANDO B.
Published: October 2014

The genera Pachymenes de Saussure and Santamenes Giordani Soika are revised and the phylogenetic relationships among their species, based on external morphology and male genitalia, are presented. The cladistics analysis, using 22 terminal species (19 ingroup and 3 outgroup species) and 44 characters, produced a single cladogram under implied weighting. Both genera were recovered as paraphyletic, althought two major clades were formed and were well supported by the re‐sampling analysis. We propose the synonymy of Pachymenes with Santamenes, and the description of two new species: P. saussurei Grandinete n.sp. and P. riograndensis Grandinete n.sp.. New combinations are: Pachymenes novarae (de Saussure) n.comb., P. olympicus (Zavattari) n.comb., P. peregrinus (Zavattari) n.comb. and P. santanna (de Saussure) revised combination. We state the synonymy of P. obscurus orellanoides under P. obscurus consuetus, reviewing the status of the latter and raising P. consuetus to species level. Pachymenes orellanae vardyi is synonymized under P. orellanae; P. ghilianii olivaceus, P. ghilianii flavissimus and P. peruanus are proposed as synonyms of P. ghilianii; P. picturatus obscuratus is synonymized under P. laeviventris; P. picturatus nigromaculatus and P. picturatus var. intermedia are synonymized under P. picturatus and P. atra var. ornatissima get its lectotype designated and proposed as synonym of P. ater.

This published work has been registered in ZooBank, http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:F1625D4F‐B9D0‐426D‐9140‐97E53A531F87.
The effects of oncolytic reovirus in canine lymphoma cell lines
Authors: Hwang C. C. , Umeki S. , Igase M. , Coffey M. , Noguchi S. , Okuda M. , Mizuno T.
Published: October 2014

Reovirus is a potent oncolytic virus in many human neoplasms that has reached phase II and III clinical trials. Our laboratory has previously reported the oncolytic effects of reovirus in canine mast cell tumour (MCT). In order to further explore the potential of reovirus in veterinary oncology, we tested the susceptibility of reovirus in 10 canine lymphoma cell lines. Reovirus‐induced cell death, virus replication and infectivity were confirmed in four cell lines with variable levels of susceptibility. The level of Ras activation varied among the cell lines with no correlation with reovirus susceptibility. Reovirus‐susceptible cell lines underwent apoptosis as proven by propidium iodide (PI) staining, Annexin V‐FITC/PI assay, cleavage of PARP and inhibition of cell death by caspase inhibitor. A single intratumoral injection of reovirus suppressed the growth of canine lymphoma subcutaneous tumour in NOD/SCID mice. Unlike canine MCT, canine lymphoma is less susceptible to reovirus.
Shortwave-infrared photoluminescence from Ge1−xSnx thin films on silicon
Authors: Ghetmiri Seyed Amir , Du Wei , Conley Benjamin R. , Mosleh Aboozar , Nazzal Amjad , Sun Greg , Soref Richard A. , Margetis Joe , Tolle John , Naseem Hameed A. , Yu Shui-Qing
Published: October 2014

Ge1−xSnx thin films with Sn composition up to 7% were epitaxially grown by chemical vapor deposition on silicon. Temperature-dependent photoluminescence was investigated and the peaks corresponding to the direct and indirect transitions were observed in a wavelength range from 1.6 to 2.2 μm. The exact peak positions obtained from Gaussian fitting were fitted with an empirical temperature dependent band-gap equation (Varshni relationship). The separation between direct and indirect peaks was equal to 0.012 eV for GeSn thin film with 7% Sn content at room temperature. This observation indicates that the indirect-to-direct crossover would take place at slightly higher Sn compositions.
Detection of Zoonotic Pathogens and Characterization of Novel Viruses Carried by Commensal Rattus norvegicus in New York City
Authors: Firth Cadhla , Bhat Meera , Firth Matthew A. , Williams Simon H. , Frye Matthew J. , Simmonds Peter , Conte Juliette M. , Ng James , Garcia Joel , Bhuva Nishit P. , Lee Bohyun , Che Xiaoyu , Quan Phenix-Lan , Lipkin W. Ian
Published: October 2014

Norway rats (
Rattus norvegicus
) are globally distributed and concentrate in urban environments, where they live and feed in closer proximity to human populations than most other mammals. Despite the potential role of rats as reservoirs of zoonotic diseases, the microbial diversity present in urban rat populations remains unexplored. In this study, we used targeted molecular assays to detect known bacterial, viral, and protozoan human pathogens and unbiased high-throughput sequencing to identify novel viruses related to agents of human disease in commensal Norway rats in New York City. We found that these rats are infected with bacterial pathogens known to cause acute or mild gastroenteritis in people, including atypical enteropathogenic
Escherichia coli
,
Clostridium difficile
, and
Salmonella enterica
, as well as infectious agents that have been associated with undifferentiated febrile illnesses, including
Bartonella
spp.,
Streptobacillus moniliformis
,
Leptospira interrogans
, and Seoul hantavirus. We also identified a wide range of known and novel viruses from groups that contain important human pathogens, including sapoviruses, cardioviruses, kobuviruses, parechoviruses, rotaviruses, and hepaciviruses. The two novel hepaciviruses discovered in this study replicate in the liver of Norway rats and may have utility in establishing a small animal model of human hepatitis C virus infection. The results of this study demonstrate the diversity of microbes carried by commensal rodent species and highlight the need for improved pathogen surveillance and disease monitoring in urban environments.

IMPORTANCE
The observation that most emerging infectious diseases of humans originate in animal reservoirs has led to wide-scale microbial surveillance and discovery programs in wildlife, particularly in the developing world. Strikingly, less attention has been focused on commensal animals like rats, despite their abundance in urban centers and close proximity to human populations. To begin to explore the zoonotic disease risk posed by urban rat populations, we trapped and surveyed Norway rats collected in New York City over a 1-year period. This analysis revealed a striking diversity of known pathogens and novel viruses in our study population, including multiple agents associated with acute gastroenteritis or febrile illnesses in people. Our findings indicate that urban rats are reservoirs for a vast diversity of microbes that may affect human health and indicate a need for increased surveillance and awareness of the disease risks associated with urban rodent infestation.
Long-term sequelae and management following anterior cruciate ligament injury
Authors: Peck Jeffrey
Published: October 2014

This article discusses a case in which a patient who sustained an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury returned with anterior knee pain in the same knee approximately 20 years later. He underwent reconstruction at the time of the injury and had a revision reconstruction performed 10 years later. The case highlights the long-term consequences of ACL injury and subsequent reconstruction for the knee joint, as this patient has developed anterior knee pain during his mid-40s. Additionally, non-operative management of knee osteoarthritis is discussed.
A bad workman blames his tools?
Authors: Edwards Heather Jean , Al-Kutubi Huda , Rathbone Nia
Published: October 2014

The ECG is a test that is used frequently in the acute setting. It has a significant impact on decisions regarding patient discharge and further investigations. On a single day in the ambulatory emergency care setting two patients presented with chest pain. The ECG findings were abnormal, but also out of context with the clinical findings. On close inspection of the ECG machine it was identified that although all leads attached to the patient were in the correct position, the two cables connecting the leads to the machine had been reversed. Had the error not been discovered promptly there was the potential that further, more harmful investigations would have been performed. These cases highlight that although the ECG is a simple and non-invasive investigation it should be an adjunct to clinical working diagnosis.
Isolated optic nerve oedema as unusual presentation of electric injury
Authors: Izzy Saef , Deeb Wissam , Peters George B , Mitchell Ann
Published: October 2014

A 45-year-old man with no significant medical history presented following an electric current injury (380 V). He developed multiple systemic injuries including third degree burns and after 1 week of hospitalisation he reported unilateral visual changes. Examination suggested the presence of optic nerve oedema without evidence of haemorrhage, exudate or vessel abnormality. This was considered to be related to the electric shock. A trial of corticosteroids was considered. He was followed up to 5 months in clinic and was noted to have developed unilateral optic atrophy and no other systemic manifestations. Initial and 5 months follow-up optic nerve colour photograph and optical coherence topography were documented. The present case highlights the fact that electric current injury can present with only a unilateral ischaemic optic neuropathy, the need for early diagnosis for timely treatment and the controversial role of corticosteroids.
Cryptogenic organising pneumonia after radiotherapy
Authors: Kikuchi Norihiro , Nakayama Hidetsugu
Published: October 2014

A patient with cryptogenic organising pneumonia after radiotherapy in the thorax was dramatically dissolved by administration of corticosteroid.
The Communities First (ComFi) study: protocol for a prospective controlled quasi-experimental study to evaluate the impact of area-wide regeneration on mental health and social cohesion in deprived communities
Authors: White James , Greene Giles , Dunstan Frank , Rodgers Sarah , Lyons Ronan A , Humphreys Ioan , John Ann , Webster Chris , Palmer Stephen , Elliott Eva , Phillips Ceri J , Fone David
Published: October 2014

Introduction

Recent systematic reviews have highlighted the dearth of evidence on the effectiveness of regeneration on health and health inequalities. ‘Communities First’ is an area-wide regeneration scheme to improve the lives of people living in the most deprived areas in Wales (UK). This study will evaluate the impact of Communities First on residents’ mental health and social cohesion.

Methods and analysis

A prospective controlled quasi-experimental study of the association between residence in Communities First regeneration areas in Caerphilly county borough and change in mental health and social cohesion. The study population is the 4226 residents aged 18–74 years who responded to the Caerphilly Health and Social Needs Study in 2001 (before delivery) and 2008 (after delivery of Communities First). Data on the location, type and cost of Communities First interventions will be extracted from records collected by Caerphilly county borough council. The primary outcome is the change in mental health between 2001 and 2008. Secondary outcomes are changes: in common mental disorder case status (using survey and general practice data), social cohesion and mental health inequalities. Multilevel models will examine change in mental health and social cohesion between Communities First and control areas, adjusting for individual and household level confounding factors. Further models will examine the effects of (1) different types of intervention, (2) contamination across areas, (3) length of residence in a Communities First area, and (4) population migration. We will carry out a cost-consequences analysis to summarise the outcomes generated for participants, as well as service utilisation and utility gains.

Ethics and dissemination

This study has had approval from the Information Governance Review Panel at Swansea University (Ref: 0266 CF). Findings will be disseminated through peer-review publications, international conferences, policy and practice partners in local and national government, and updates on our study website (http://medicine.cardiff.ac.uk/clinical-study/communities-first-regeneration-programme/).
PAX-8 expression in renal tumours and distant sites: A useful marker of primary and metastatic renal cell carcinoma?
Authors: Barr Meaghan L , Jilaveanu Lucia B , Camp Robert L , Adeniran Adebowale J , Kluger Harriet M , Shuch Brian
Published: October 2014

Aims

Immunohistochemical stains have greatly improved the diagnostic accuracy of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) for primary and distant tumours. We evaluate a marker that has recently been incorporated in clinical practice, PAX-8, in primary and metastatic RCCs.

Methods

Two distinct tissue microarrays were used, one consisting of over 334 renal tumours, 294 with adjacent normal kidney and the other with 40 matched nephrectomy and metastatic sites of RCC. PAX-8 expression was assessed by a method of quantitative immunofluorescence.

Results

PAX-8 was positive in 96% (146/152) of normal renal tissue and 83% (227/272) of renal tumours. PAX-8 staining was positive in clear cell, papillary and chromophobe tumours in 80% (165/207), 95% (39/41) and 100% (6/6) of samples, respectively. Overall, intensity of PAX-8 expression was significantly higher in RCC metastatic sites than in the primary site (p=0.0047), however, in matched sites there was no statistically significant difference in the proportion of positive versus negative specimens (p=0.274).

Conclusions

As the role of molecular markers expands in the diagnostic algorithm, this study confirms that PAX-8 expression is a useful diagnostic marker for RCC. PAX-8 expression was found in the primary tumour and distant sites. Compared with normal tissue and other histological types, clear cell RCC has lower PAX-8 expression and is less frequently positive, therefore, the lack of expression does not exclude a tumour of renal origin.
Acute dietary nitrate supplementation does not augment submaximal forearm exercise hyperemia in healthy young men
Authors: Kim Jin-Kwang , Moore David J. , Maurer David G. , Kim-Shapiro Daniel B. , Basu Swati , Flanagan Michael P. , Skulas-Ray Ann C. , Kris-Etherton Penny , Proctor David N.
Published: October 2014

Despite the popularity of dietary nitrate supplementation and the growing evidence base of its potential ergogenic and vascular health benefits, there is no direct information about its effects on exercising limb blood flow in humans. We hypothesized that acute dietary nitrate supplementation from beetroot juice would augment the increases in forearm blood flow, as well as the progressive dilation of the brachial artery, during graded handgrip exercise in healthy young men. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study, 12 young (22 ± 2 years) healthy men consumed a beetroot juice (140 mL Beet-It Sport, James White Juice Company) that provided 12.9 mmol (0.8 g) of nitrate or placebo (nitrate-depleted Beet-It Sport) on 2 study visits. At 3 h postconsumption, brachial artery diameter, flow, and blood velocity were measured (Doppler ultrasound) at rest and during 6 exercise intensities. Nitrate supplementation raised plasma nitrate (19.5-fold) and nitrite (1.6-fold) concentrations, and lowered resting arterial pulse wave velocity (PWV) versus placebo (all p < 0.05), indicating absorption, conversion, and a biological effect of this supplement. The supplement-associated lowering of PWV was also negatively correlated with plasma nitrite (r = –0.72, p = 0.0127). Despite these systemic effects, nitrate supplementation had no effect on brachial artery diameter, flow, or shear rates at rest (all p ≥ 0.28) or during any exercise workload (all p ≥ 0.18). These findings suggest that acute dietary nitrate supplementation favorably modifies arterial PWV, but does not augment blood flow or brachial artery vasodilation during nonfatiguing forearm exercise in healthy young men.
Regenerated soleus muscle shows reduced creatine kinase efflux after contractile activity in vitro
Authors: Baltusnikas Juozas , Kilikevicius Audrius , Venckunas Tomas , Fokin Andrej , Lionikas Arimantas , Ratkevicius Aivaras
Published: October 2014

Regenerated skeletal muscles show less muscle damage after strenuous muscle exercise. The aim of the studies was to investigate if the regeneration is associated with reduced muscle creatine kinase (CK) efflux immediately after the exercise. Cryolesion was applied to the soleus muscle of 3-month-old C57BL/6J male mice. Then total CK efflux was assessed in vitro in the regenerated muscles without exercise or after 100 eccentric contractions. The same measurements were performed in the control muscles, which were not exposed to cryolesion. Regenerated muscles generated weaker (P < 0.05) twitches, but stronger (P < 0.05) 150-Hz and 300-Hz tetani with prolonged (P < 0.01) contraction times compared with the control muscles. There was no difference between regenerated and control muscles in the total CK efflux without exercise, but only control muscles showed an increase (P < 0.001) in the CK efflux after the exercise. Our results suggest that muscle regeneration is associated with modulation of contractile properties and improvement in muscle resistance to damage after eccentric exercise.
Temperature is the major driver of distribution patterns for C4 and C3 BEP grasses along tropical elevation gradients in Hawai‘i, and comparison with worldwide patterns
Authors: Angelo Courtney L. , Daehler Curtis C.
Published: October 2014

The distribution patterns of C4 and C3 grasses in relation to climate have attracted much attention, but few studies have examined grass distributions along tropical elevation gradients. Previous studies identified either temperature, precipitation, or both variables as the major climatic factor(s) driving these distributions. Here we investigated relative dominance of C4 grasses in relation to climate along five elevation gradients in Hawai‘i. The transition temperature between C4 and C3 BEP (Bambusoideae, Ehrhartoideae, and Pooideae) grasses (where their relative dominance is equal) was determined; in our study, the subfamily Bambusoideae was not included. A worldwide synthesis of previous studies testing climatic factors and transition temperatures associated with C4 and C3 grass distributions was also carried out. Mean July maximum temperature was significantly correlated with C4 dominance along all elevation transects in Hawai‘i, while precipitation was only correlated along three transects when precipitation was correlated with temperature. A spatially explicit multiple regression model indicated that C4 relative cover was best explained by temperature. Temperature appears to be the major climatic factor shaping distribution patterns of C4 and C3 BEP grasses in Hawai‘i. According to the worldwide analysis, temperature primarily influenced grass distribution patterns more often in temperate studies (70%) than in tropical studies (45%). Degree of correlation or covariance between temperature and precipitation was rarely reported in previous studies, although this can strongly affect conclusions. C4-C3 BEP transition temperatures (mean July maximum) ranged from 18 to 21 °C in Hawai‘i; these transition temperatures are lower than those reported in temperate localities (26–31 °C), but similar to transition temperatures for other localities at tropical latitudes (21–22 °C). A warming climate is likely to shift C4 grass dominance upward in elevation, threatening higher elevation native communities by perpetuating a grass–fire cycle.
IMPORT PROTECTION AND FEMALE LABOR
Authors: AVSAR VEYSEL
Published: October 2014

This study empirically investigates the impact of import protection on female labor using a panel dataset of 211 countries. Our findings suggest that import protection increases female labor participation rate in capital abundant countries, whereas decreases in labor abundant ones. This result is also in line with the stylized view that female labor benefits from labor intensive production which requires less formal training and lower job skills.
RECONFIGURABLE HARDWARE PLATFORM FOR EXPERIMENTAL TESTING AND VERIFYING OF MEMRISTOR-BASED CHAOTIC SYSTEMS
Authors: ARIK SEDA , KILIÇ RECAİ
Published: October 2014

Although the memristor is produced physically, it is not commercially available yet. For this reason the testing and verifying of memristor-based systems are performed only by using simulation tools and emulator circuits composed of generally discrete components. In this study, field programmable analog array (FPAA) as a reconfigurable hardware platform is introduced for the experimental testing and verifying of memristor-based chaotic systems. By using this platform, it is possible to implement several memristor-based chaotic systems characterized with different nonlinear functions on a unique hardware in a reconfigurable and programmable manner without the need for different emulators. For this purpose, three memristor-based chaotic systems were constructed on this platform and their behaviors were verified experimentally.
BUSINESS MODEL INNOVATION AND STRATEGIC FLEXIBILITY: INSIGHTS FROM AN EXPERIMENTAL RESEARCH DESIGN
Authors: SCHNEIDER SABRINA , SPIETH PATRICK
Published: October 2014

Firms engaging in business model innovation are likely to constantly experience environmental turbulence in which remaining strategically flexible is of crucial importance to ensure survival. Drawing on a dynamic capabilities perspective, a framework of hypotheses is established that emphasises the effects of business model innovation on a firm's managerial capabilities and its operational responsiveness that have been argued to antecede strategic flexibility. Using an experimental research design that is built on a between-subject analysis and embodies decision-scenarios, we show how three distinct types of business model innovation (value offering innovation, value architecture innovation, and revenue model innovation) impact on different dimensions of strategic flexibility (resource flexibility, coordination flexibility, and variety of managerial capabilities). Our findings indicate that remaining strategic flexibility is not an implicit result of business model innovation as we identify different effects of the distinct types of business model innovation on the individual dimensions of strategic flexibility.
ANTIMICROBIAL SUSCEPTIBILITY OF FISHSTREPTOCOCCACEAEAND DRUG RESISTANCE DETERMINANTS OF ERYTHROMYCIN- AND TETRACYCLINE-RESISTANTLACTOCOCCUSISOLATED IN TAIWAN
Authors: Huang Tzu-Ming , Hsu Cheng-Chih , Chen Meei-Mei
Published: October 2014

Infection of Streptococcaceae family in fish is common and associated with the increased water temperature. The outbreak of Streptococcaceae infection happens in summer and causes economical loss in fish industry in Taiwan. The objectives of the present study were to investigate the antimicrobial susceptibility of Streptococcaceae isolated from fish in Taiwan. The resistance determinants of erythromycin and tetracycline in Lactococcus isolates were also studied. In total, 61 Enterococcus, Lactococcus and Streptococcus isolates from different fish species and regions during 2001–2011 were collected and analyzed. Disc diffusion assay and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) were carried out to determine antimicrobial susceptibility. High resistance rate of tetracycline (76%) was noted in Enterococcus and Lactococcus isolates, in contrast to Streptococcus isolates with no resistance to tetracycline. A total of 26 isolates of Lactococcus sp. with high MIC value of tetracycline (≧ 256 μg/mL) possessed tet(S). Among them, one isolate of L. lactis subsp. lactis with resistance to both of erythromycin and tetracycline (MIC ≧ 256 μg/mL and ≧ 256 μg/mL, respectively) carried resistance determinants of tet(S) and erm(B) on plasmids and transferred the resistance determinants to E. faecalis JH2-2 by conjugation. Tetracycline-resistant L. garvieae isolates transferred the resistance determinant tet(S) to E. faecalis JH2-2 and tetracycline-susceptible L. garvieae. The present study suggested that under antimicrobial pressure, erythromycin- and tetracycline-resistance determinants in Lactococcus isolates could spread to susceptible Lactococcus and other bacterial pathogens.
Heat transfer analysis of viscoelastic fluid flow due to metachronal wave of cilia
Authors: Akbar Noreen Sher , Butt Adil Wahid
Published: October 2014

This study describes ciliary motion on the transport of fluids in human body with heat transfer. The mathematical model of the flow of a Jeffrey fluid in a tube of finite length is considered due to metachronal wave of cilia motion. Flow equations have been modeled and simplified using similarity variables. Exact solutions of the formulated problem have been obtained for velocity, temperature and pressure gradient and graphs for velocity, pressure rise, pressure gradient and temperature profile have been plotted and studied for different values of specific physical parameters. Trapping phenomena and isotherms are presented at the end of the paper.
Exact solutions of some fractional differential equations arising in mathematical biology
Authors: Güner Özkan , Bekir Ahmet
Published: October 2014

In the last decades Exp-function method has been used for solving fractional differential equations. In this paper, we obtain exact solutions of fractional generalized reaction Duffing model and nonlinear fractional diffusion–reaction equation. The fractional derivatives are described in the modified Riemann–Liouville sense. The fractional complex transform has been suggested to convert fractional-order differential equations with modified Riemann–Liouville derivatives into integer-order differential equations, and the reduced equations can be solved by symbolic computation.
A Raspberry Pi-Based Attitude Sensor
Authors: Sreejith A. G. , Mathew Joice , Sarpotdar Mayuresh , Mohan Rekhesh , Nayak Akshata , Safonova Margarita , Murthy Jayant
Published: October 2014

We have developed a lightweight low-cost attitude sensor, based on a Raspberry Pi, built with readily available commercial components. It can be used in experiments where weight and power are constrained, such as in high-altitude lightweight balloon flights. This attitude sensor will be used as a major building block in a closed-loop control system with driver motors to stabilize and point cameras and telescopes for astronomical observations from a balloon-borne payload.
Regulation of FSP27 protein stability by AMPK and HSC70
Authors: Zhang Xiaodong , Heckmann Bradlee L. , Xie Xitao , Saarinen Alicia M. , Liu Jun
Published: October 2014

Fat-specific protein 27 (FSP27) plays a pivotal role in controlling the formation of large lipid droplet and energy metabolism. The cellular levels of FSP27 are tightly regulated through the proteasomal ubiquitin-mediated degradation. However, the upstream signals that trigger FSP27 degradation and the underlying mechanism(s) have yet to be identified. Here we show that AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation by AICAR (5-amino-1-β-d-ribofuranosyl-imidazole-4-carboxamide) or phenformin induced the ubiquitination of FSP27 and promoted its degradation in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. The levels of FSP27 protein could be maintained by either knocking down AMPKα1 or blocking proteasomal pathway. Moreover, AICAR treatment induced multilocularization of LDs in 3T3-L1 adipocytes, reminiscent of the morphological changes in cells depleted of FSP27. Furthermore, mass spectrometry-based proteomic analysis identified heat shock cognate 70 (HSC70) as a novel binding protein of FSP27. The specific interaction was confirmed by co-immunoprecipitation of both ectopically expressed and endogenous proteins. Importantly, knockdown of HSC70 by small interference RNA resulted in increased half-life of FSP27 in cells treated with a protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide (CHX) or AICAR. However, silencing of the E3 ubiquitin ligase CHIP (COOH terminus of HSC70-interacting protein) failed to alter the stability of FSP27 protein under both conditions. Taken together, our data indicate that AMPK is a negative regulator of FSP27 stability through the proteasomal ubiquitin-dependent protein catabolic process. Promotion of FSP27 degradation may be an important factor responsible for the beneficial effect of AMPK activators on energy metabolism.