bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
TP53 mutations and MDM2SNP309 identify subgroups of AML patients with impaired outcome
Authors: Falk Ingrid Jakobsen , Willander Kerstin , Chaireti Roza , Lund Johan , Nahi Hareth , Hermanson Monica , Gréen Henrik , Lotfi Kourosh , Söderkvist Peter
Published: August 2014

Background

TP53 is commonly mutated in several cancers and confers treatment resistance and poor prognosis. Altered expression of mouse double minute 2 (MDM2), a negative regulator of p53, may also attenuate normal p53 signaling, thereby enhancing tumor transformation and resistance to apoptosis. The single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) 309 has been reported to increase MDM2 expression and impair normal p53 response.

Experimental design

We investigated the frequency and impact of TP53 mutations (TP53mut) and MDM2SNP309 on treatment outcome and overall survival (OS) in 189 Swedish acute myeloid leukemia patients. The genetic analyses were performed using SSCA and direct sequencing (for mutations in exon 5–8 of TP53) and Pyrosequencing (for the MDM2SNP309).

Results

We found a high frequency (22%) of TP53mut in patients with cytogenetic aberrations, with association to high‐risk cytogenetics (P < 0.001). TP53mut patients had lower response rates (22% compared with 76% CR in TP53 wild‐type (wt) patients, P < 0.001) and reduced OS (2 and 16 months, respectively, P < 0.001). In TP53wt patients with high or intermediate risk cytogenetic aberrations, the MDM2SNP309 conferred an impaired outcome, with patients carrying the alternative G‐allele having shorter OS compared with T/T patients (median 9 vs. 50 months, P = 0.020).

Conclusions

Our results show that TP53mut analysis and MDM2SNP309 genotyping may be useful tools for prognostication, risk stratification, and selection of patients most likely to benefit from new drugs targeting the p53 signaling pathway.
Improving efficiency of merging symbolic rules into integrated rules: splitting methods and mergability criteria
Authors: Prentzas Jim , Hatzilygeroudis Ioannis
Published: August 2014

Neurules are a type of neuro‐symbolic rules integrating neurocomputing and production rules. Each neurule is represented as an adaline unit. Neurules exhibit characteristics such as modularity, naturalness and ability to perform interactive and integrated inferences and provide explanations for reached conclusions. One way of producing a neurule base is through conversion of an existing symbolic rule base yielding an equivalent but more compact rule base. The conversion process merges symbolic rules having the same conclusion into one or more neurules. Because of the inability of the adaline unit to handle inseparability, more than one neurule for each conclusion may be produced by splitting the initial set of symbolic rules into subsets. This paper presents research work improving the conversion process in terms of runtime and number of produced neurules. First, we show how easier it is to construct a neurule base than a connectionist one. Second, we present alternative rule set splitting methods. Finally, we define criteria concerning the ability or inability to convert a rule set into a single, equivalent, but more compact rule. With application of such mergability criteria, the conversion process of symbolic rules into neurules becomes more time‐efficient. All the aforementioned are supported by experimental results.
A conformation‐equilibrium model captures ligand–ligand interactions and ligand‐biased signalling by G‐protein coupled receptors
Authors: Roth Susanne , Bruggeman Frank J.
Published: August 2014

G‐protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) are a versatile, important class of cell‐surface receptors. GPCRs occur in different conformations that exist in a dynamic ligand‐sensitive equilibrium. These conformations vary in their affinities for intracellular signalling proteins and initiate signalling via different intracellular routes. The binding of extracellular ligands and allosteric ligand–ligand interactions shift conformation equilibria to cause biased signalling. Here, we present a mathematical model that describes the effects of ligands on the conformation equilibria of GPCRs. Our extended Monod–Wyman–Changeux model describes the receptor as shifting between active and inactive receptor conformations under the influence of extracellular ligands. For each receptor conformation, the intracellular domain of the receptor can attain alternative domain conformations that differ in their affinity for intracellular signalling proteins. At the extracellular domain, the model can accommodate different mechanisms for allosteric ligand–ligand interactions that induce shifts in receptor and domain conformation equilibria. We use the model to study ligand‐biased signalling and how ligand affinity, ligand sensitivity and maximal signalling output depend on allosteric ligand–ligand interactions.
Variation in pantothenate kinase type determines the pantothenamide mode of action and impacts on coenzyme A salvage biosynthesis
Authors: de Villiers Marianne , Barnard Leanne , Koekemoer Lizbé , Snoep Jacky L. , Strauss Erick
Published: August 2014

N‐substituted pantothenamides are analogues of pantothenic acid, the vitamin precursor of CoA, and constitute a class of well‐studied bacterial growth inhibitors that show potential as new antibacterial agents. Previous studies have highlighted the importance of pantothenate kinase (PanK; EC 2.7.1.33) (the first enzyme of CoA biosynthesis) in mediating pantothenamide‐induced growth inhibition by one of two proposed mechanisms: first, by acting on the pantothenamides as alternate substrates (allowing their conversion into CoA antimetabolites, with subsequent effects on CoA‐ and acyl carrier protein‐dependent processes) or, second, by being directly inhibited by them (causing a reduction in CoA biosynthesis). In the present study we used structurally modified pantothenamides to probe whether PanKs interact with these compounds in the same manner. We show that the three distinct types of eubacterial PanKs that are known to exist (PanKI, PanKII and PanKIII) respond very differently and, consequently, are responsible for determining the pantothenamide mode of action in each case: although the promiscuous PanKI enzymes accept them as substrates, the highly selective PanKIIIs are resistant to their inhibitory effects. Most unexpectedly, Staphylococcus aureus PanK (the only known example of a bacterial PanKII) experiences uncompetitive inhibition in a manner that is described for the first time. In addition, we show that pantetheine, a CoA degradation product that closely resembles the pantothenamides, causes the same effect. This suggests that, in S. aureus, pantothenamides may act by usurping a previously unknown role of pantetheine in the regulation of CoA biosynthesis, and validates its PanK as a target for the development of new antistaphylococcal agents.
Extreme temperatures, foundation species, and abrupt ecosystem change: an example from an iconic seagrass ecosystem
Authors: Thomson Jordan A. , Burkholder Derek A. , Heithaus Michael R. , Fourqurean James W. , Fraser Matthew W. , Statton John , Kendrick Gary A.
Published: August 2014

Extreme climatic events can trigger abrupt and often lasting change in ecosystems via the reduction or elimination of foundation (i.e., habitat‐forming) species. However, while the frequency/intensity of extreme events is predicted to increase under climate change, the impact of these events on many foundation species and the ecosystems they support remains poorly understood. Here, we use the iconic seagrass meadows of Shark Bay, Western Australia – a relatively pristine subtropical embayment whose dominant, canopy‐forming seagrass, Amphibolis antarctica, is a temperate species growing near its low‐latitude range limit – as a model system to investigate the impacts of extreme temperatures on ecosystems supported by thermally sensitive foundation species in a changing climate. Following an unprecedented marine heat wave in late summer 2010/11, A. antarctica experienced catastrophic (>90%) dieback in several regions of Shark Bay. Animal‐borne video footage taken from the perspective of resident, seagrass‐associated megafauna (sea turtles) revealed severe habitat degradation after the event compared with a decade earlier. This reduction in habitat quality corresponded with a decline in the health status of largely herbivorous green turtles (Chelonia mydas) in the 2 years following the heat wave, providing evidence of long‐term, community‐level impacts of the event. Based on these findings, and similar examples from diverse ecosystems, we argue that a generalized framework for assessing the vulnerability of ecosystems to abrupt change associated with the loss of foundation species is needed to accurately predict ecosystem trajectories in a changing climate. This includes seagrass meadows, which have received relatively little attention in this context. Novel research and monitoring methods, such as the analysis of habitat and environmental data from animal‐borne video and data‐logging systems, can make an important contribution to this framework.
Shear Reversible Alumina Gels for Direct Writing
Authors: Yadav Kiran , Jassal Manjeet , Agrawal Ashwini K.
Published: August 2014

Phase diagram of alumina sol has been investigated, wherein a unique region of shear reversible gels has been discovered. In this region, rapid transformation from gel to sol was observed, where the viscosity shows a sudden drop by six orders of magnitude on application of shear stress. The sol to gel transformation was observed to depend on the composition of the sol and could be tuned in the range of few seconds to hours. These gels are suitable for fabricating complex three‐dimensional structures using advanced technology of direct write and ink‐jet printing.
Rationale and Design of FIRE AND ICE: A Multicenter Randomized Trial Comparing Efficacy and Safety of Pulmonary Vein Isolation Using a Cryoballoon versus Radiofrequency Ablation with 3D‐Reconstruction
Authors: FÜRNKRANZ ALEXANDER , BRUGADA JOSEP , ALBENQUE JEAN‐PAUL , TONDO CLAUDIO , BESTEHORN KURT , WEGSCHEIDER KARL , OUYANG FEIFAN , KUCK KARL‐HEINZ
Published: August 2014

Rationale and Design of Fire and Ice

Background

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia imposing substantial morbidity and mortality. Catheter‐based pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) using radiofrequency current (RFC) has become a standard treatment for drug‐resistant and symptomatic paroxysmal AF (PAF). In recent years, the cryoballoon‐based technique is increasingly used as a promising alternative with a short learning curve.

Methods

The FIRE AND ICE trial is a prospective, randomized, controlled, open, blinded outcome assessment, noninferiority trial comparing cryoballoon‐, and RFC‐based PVI. Patients with drug‐resistant PAF will be randomized in a 1:1 matrix in multiple European centers. The primary hypothesis is that cryoballoon ablation is not inferior to RFC ablation using 3‐dimensional mapping with respect to clinical efficacy. The primary endpoint is defined as the time to first documented clinical failure, including: (1) recurrence of AF; (2) atrial flutter or atrial tachycardia; (3) prescription of class I or III antiarrhythmic drugs; or (4) re‐ablation, whichever comes first, following a blanking period of 3 months after the index ablation procedure. The primary safety endpoint is a composite of death, stroke/transient ischemic attack, cardiac arrhythmias (apart from AF recurrence) causally related to the therapeutic intervention, and procedure‐related serious adverse events.

Conclusion

The FIRE AND ICE trial compares 2 different technologies to perform catheter ablation of PAF with respect to efficacy and safety. It aims at providing objective data to guide selection and usage of ablation catheters in the treatment of AF.
Insecure attachment during infancy predicts greater amygdala volumes in early adulthood
Authors: Moutsiana Christina , Johnstone Tom , Murray Lynne , Fearon Pasco , Cooper Peter J. , Pliatsikas Christos , Goodyer Ian , Halligan Sarah L.
Published: August 2014

Background

The quality of the early environment is hypothesized to be an influence on morphological development in key neural areas related to affective responding, but direct evidence to support this possibility is limited. In a 22‐year longitudinal study, we examined hippocampal and amygdala volumes in adulthood in relation to early infant attachment status, an important indicator of the quality of the early caregiving environment.

Methods

Participants (N = 59) were derived from a prospective longitudinal study of the impact of maternal postnatal depression on child development. Infant attachment status (35 Secure; 24 Insecure) was observed at 18 months of age, and MRI assessments were completed at 22 years.

Results

In line with hypotheses, insecure versus secure infant attachment status was associated with larger amygdala volumes in young adults, an effect that was not accounted for by maternal depression history. We did not find early infant attachment status to predict hippocampal volumes.

Conclusions

Common variations in the quality of early environment are associated with gross alterations in amygdala morphology in the adult brain. Further research is required to establish the neural changes that underpin the volumetric differences reported here, and any functional implications.
In‐Office Tooth Whitening: Pulpal Effects and Tooth Sensitivity Issues
Authors: Kwon So Ran , Swift Edward J.
Published: August 2014

Tooth whitening is a popular method for improving the appearance of discolored teeth. The wide range of techniques available—in‐office whitening, dentist‐supervised at‐home whitening, and over‐the‐counter whitening—reflects its popularity. The efficacy and side effects are dependent on the technique, with tooth sensitivity being the most commonly reported side effect associated with all of the approaches. Sensitivity issues related to at‐home whitening have been reviewed in previous appraisals (Swift, JERD 2006; 18:225–8 and 301–5). Therefore, the current Critical Appraisal focuses on the incidence of sensitivity, pulpal responses, and prevention of sensitivity during in‐office whitening treatments.
Morphology and Phylogeny of Two Species of Loxodes (Ciliophora, Karyorelictea), with Description of a New Subspecies, Loxodes striatus orientalis subsp. n.
Authors: Xu Yuan , Pan Hongbo , Miao Miao , Hu Xiaozhong , Al‐Farraj Saleh A. , Al‐Rasheid Khaled A. S. , Song Weibo
Published: August 2014

The morphology and phylogeny of Loxodes vorax and L. striatus orientalis subsp. n. were investigated based on infraciliature and small subunit (SSU) rRNA gene sequence data. Loxodes striatus orientalis subsp. n. was separated from L. striatus striatus stat. n. by having fewer dikinetids in the intrabuccal kinety (35–55 vs. 50–70) and a variable number of macronuclei (2–4 vs. 2). In addition, the SSU rRNA gene sequence of the new subspecies differs in 13 and 11 nucleotides from that of two populations of the nominotypic subspecies. We also summarized the morphological differences between Loxodes and Remanella based on the data available. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that the genus Loxodes was monophyletic and nested within Remanella species. This study might, therefore, support the hypothesis that the freshwater genus Loxodes evolved from the marine genus Remanella.
The Interaction between Capital Requirements and Monetary Policy
Authors: ANGELINI PAOLO , NERI STEFANO , PANETTA FABIO
Published: August 2014

The interaction between capital requirements and monetary policy is assessed by means of simple rules in a dynamic general equilibrium model featuring a banking sector. In “normal” times, when economic dynamics are driven by supply shocks, an active use of capital requirements generates modest benefits in terms of volatility of the target variables compared to the case in which only the central bank carries out stabilization policies. The lack of cooperation between the two policymakers may result in excessive volatility of the monetary policy rate and capital requirements. The benefits of introducing capital requirements become sizeable when financial shocks, which affect the supply of loans, are important drivers of economic dynamics; the availability of capital requirements as a policy tool yields a significant gain in terms of macroeconomic stabilization, regardless of the type of interaction between monetary and capital requirements policies.
Fiscal Multipliers under an Interest Rate Peg of Deterministic versus Stochastic Duration
Authors: CARLSTROM CHARLES T. , FUERST TIMOTHY S. , PAUSTIAN MATTHIAS
Published: August 2014

This paper revisits the size of the fiscal multiplier. The experiment is a fiscal expansion under the assumption of a pegged nominal rate of interest. We demonstrate that a quantitatively important issue is the articulation of the exit from the policy experiment. If the monetary‐fiscal expansion is stochastic with a mean duration of T periods, the fiscal multiplier can be unboundedly large. However, if the monetary‐fiscal expansion is for a fixed T periods, the multiplier is much smaller. Our explanation rests on a Jensen's inequality type argument: the deterministic multiplier is convex in duration, and the stochastic multiplier is a weighted average of the deterministic multipliers. The quantitative difference in the two multipliers also arises in a model with capital, and in the baseline nonlinear model. However, the differences between the two are less pronounced in the nonlinear models. The errors from a linear approximation are much larger for the stochastic exit model then for the deterministic exit model.
Clearing the way for tau immunotherapy in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Herrmann Abigail , Spires–Jones Tara
Published: August 2014

Read the full article ‘Tau‐targeting passive immunization modulates aspects of pathology in tau transgenic mice’ on
page 135.
Extra‐powerful on the visuo‐perceptual space, but variable on the number space: Different effects of optokinetic stimulation in neglect patients
Authors: Pitteri Marco , Kerkhoff Georg , Keller Ingo , Meneghello Francesca , Priftis Konstantinos
Published: August 2014

We studied the effects of optokinetic stimulation (OKS; leftward, rightward, control) on the visuo‐perceptual and number space, in the same sample, during line bisection and mental number interval bisection tasks. To this end, we tested six patients with right‐hemisphere damage and neglect, six patients with right‐hemisphere damage but without neglect, and six neurologically healthy participants. In patients with neglect, we found a strong effect of leftwardOKSon line bisection, but not on mental number interval bisection. We suggest thatOKSinfluences the number space only under specific conditions.
Exploring Transition and Change in a Complex Traditional Market: The Case of the Rice Market in Bangladesh
Authors: Murshid K.A.S.
Published: August 2014

This paper explores the unaddressed question of how the large, complex paddy‐rice market in Bangladesh is able to transform itself and evolve, in the face of changing risks and incentives, into a better‐functioning market system. It notes significant but opposing trends over two decades in different areas, particularly in terms of market structure, trade circuits and exchange relations. Evidence of a sharp decline in tied transactions points to the growing importance of impersonal exchange. The underlying causes of these changes are explored, with particular reference to microfinance, remittances, rural roads and mobile telephony.
Phylogenetic position of Zygogonium ericetorum (Zygnematophyceae, Charophyta) from a high alpine habitat and ultrastructural characterization of unusual aplanospores
Authors: Stancheva Rosalina , Hall John D. , Herburger Klaus , Lewis Louise A. , McCourt Richard M. , Sheath Robert G. , Holzinger Andreas
Published: August 2014

Zygogonium ericetorum, the type species of the genus, was studied from a natural population collected in Mt. Schönwieskopf, Tyrol, Austria. Generic concepts of Zygogonium and Zygnema were tested with atpB, psbC, and rbcL gene sequence analysis, which showed a sister relationship between Z. ericetorum and Mesotaenium, in an early branching clade sister to a grouping of Zygnema and several other filamentous and unicellular zygnematalean taxa. A variety of light, confocal, transmission electron microscopy, and cytochemical techniques provided new data on the variable chloroplast shape of Z. ericetorum, and its aplanospore structure and development, which has been previously considered taxonomically important but has been ambiguously interpreted. Zygogonium can be distinguished from other zygnematophytes (particularly Zygnema), based on the combination of two characters: (i) irregular, compressed plate‐like chloroplasts and (ii) residual cytoplasmic content left in sporangia outside of the fully developed aplanospores or zygospores. The presence of a sporangial wall that separates the spores from the parent cell should be excluded from the definition of Zygogonium, because it is also observed in Zygnema. Similarly, the ecological characterization of Zygogonium as acidophilic is not unique to the genus. The names of 18 species currently belonging to Zygogonium are here changed to Zygnema, because of incompatibility with this new proposed Zygogonium concept. In the species transferred to Zygnema, chloroplasts are typically stellate in three‐dimensions, and the entire content of fertile cells is transformed into the spore, so there is no cytoplasmic residue.
Eukaryotic pathogens (Chytridiomycota and Oomycota) infecting marine microphytobenthic diatoms – a methodological comparison
Authors: Scholz Bettina , Küpper Frithjof C. , Vyverman Wim , Karsten Ulf
Published: August 2014

Using sediment samples from theSolthörn tidal flat (southernNorthSea,Germany), collected in bi‐weekly intervals fromJune toJuly 2012, a range of qualitative and quantitative screening methods for oomycete and chytrid pathogens infecting benthic diatoms were evaluated. Pre‐treatment of sediment samples using short ultrasound pulses and gradient centrifugation, in combination withCalcoFluor White, showed the best results in the visualization of both pathogen groups. The highest number of infected benthic diatoms was observed in midJuly (5.8% of the total benthic diatom community). Most infections were caused by chytrids and, in a few cases, oomycetes (LagenismaDrebes (host:Coscinodiscus radiatusEhrenberg) andEctrogellaZopf (hosts:Dimeregramma minorinPritchard andGyrosigma peisonis). Among the chytrids, sporangium morphology indicated the presence of five different morphotypes, infecting mainly epipelic taxa of the ordersNaviculales (e.g.,Navicula digitoradiata) andAchnanthales (e.g.,Achnanthes brevipesAgardh). The presence of multiple pathogens in several epipelic diatom taxa suggests a significant role for fungal parasitism in affecting microphytobenthic diatom succession.
Final reports of the Stardust Interstellar Preliminary Examination
Authors: Westphal Andrew J. , Bechtel Hans A. , Brenker Frank E. , Butterworth Anna L. , Flynn George , Frank David R. , Gainsforth Zack , Hillier Jon K. , Postberg Frank , Simionovici Alexandre S. , Sterken Veerle J. , Stroud Rhonda M. , Allen Carlton , Anderson David , Ansari Asna , Bajt Saša , Bastien Ron K. , Bassim Nabil , Borg Janet , Bridges John , Brownlee Donald E. , Burchell Mark , Burghammer Manfred , Changela Hitesh , Cloetens Peter , Davis Andrew M. , Doll Ryan , Floss Christine , Grün Eberhard , Heck Philipp R. , Hoppe Peter , Hudson Bruce , Huth Joachim , Hvide Brit , Kearsley Anton , King Ashley J. , Lai Barry , Leitner Jan , Lemelle Laurence , Leroux Hugues , Leonard Ariel , Lettieri Robert , Marchant William , Nittler Larry R. , Ogliore Ryan , Ong Wei Ja , Price Mark C. , Sandford Scott A. , Tresseras Juan‐Angel Sans , Schmitz Sylvia , Schoonjans Tom , Silversmit Geert , Solé Vicente A. , Srama Ralf , Stadermann Frank , Stephan Thomas , Stodolna Julien , Sutton Steven , Trieloff Mario , Tsou Peter , Tsuchiyama Akira , Tyliszczak Tolek , Vekemans Bart , Vincze Laszlo , Von Korff Joshua , Wordsworth Naomi , Zevin Daniel , Zolensky Michael E. ,   >30,000 Stardust@home dusters
Published: August 2014

With the discovery of bona fide extraterrestrial materials in the Stardust Interstellar Dust Collector, NASA now has a fundamentally new returned sample collection, after the Apollo, Antarctic meteorite, Cosmic Dust, Genesis, Stardust Cometary, Hayabusa, and Exposed Space Hardware samples. Here, and in companion papers in this volume, we present the results from the Preliminary Examination of this collection, the Stardust Interstellar Preliminary Examination (ISPE). We found extraterrestrial materials in two tracks in aerogel whose trajectories and morphology are consistent with an origin in the interstellar dust stream, and in residues in four impacts in the aluminum foil collectors. While the preponderance of evidence, described in detail in companion papers in this volume, points toward an interstellar origin for some of these particles, alternative origins have not yet been eliminated, and definitive tests through isotopic analyses were not allowed under the terms of the ISPE. In this summary, we answer the central questions of the ISPE: How many tracks in the collector are consistent in their morphology and trajectory with interstellar particles? How many of these potential tracks are consistent with real interstellar particles, based on chemical analysis? Conversely, what fraction of candidates are consistent with either a secondary or interplanetary origin? What is the mass distribution of these particles, and what is their state? Are they particulate or diffuse? Is there any crystalline material? How many detectable impact craters (>100 nm) are there in the foils, and what is their size distribution? How many of these craters have analyzable residue that is consistent with extraterrestrial material? And finally, can craters from secondaries be recognized through crater morphology (e.g., ellipticity)?
Food avoidance in children with adverse food reactions: Influence of anxiety and clinical parameters
Authors: Le Thuy‐My , Zijlstra Wieneke T. , van Opstal Eveline Y. , Knol Mirjam J. , L'Hoir Monique P. , Knulst André C. , Pasmans Suzanne G. M. A.
Published: August 2014

Background

Many children in the general population avoid food because of self‐reported adverse food reactions (AFR). Food avoidance can have negative consequences for well‐being and nutritional status. This study aimed to investigate which factors are related to avoidance behavior in children (10–13 yr old) from the general population.

Methods

Questionnaires for both mother and child were sent to participants from the Europrevall study: 164 children with self‐reported AFR and 170 children without AFRs. Spielberger state anxiety and trait anxiety and clinical parameters, such as severity of the adverse reaction, specific IgE and doctor's diagnosis, were compared between those who have (had) AFR and avoid food (i.e., avoiders) and those who have (had) AFR(s) and do not avoid food (anymore; i.e., non‐avoiders).

Results

In total, 59% of the children with AFRs avoided food, of whom 26% had positive specific immunoglobulin E (sIgE). Child's state anxiety about an AFR was higher in avoiders than in non‐avoiders, (p < 0.001), whereas child's trait anxiety and maternal state anxiety and trait anxiety were comparable in both groups. Avoiders reported more often severe symptoms (i.e., generalized urticaria, respiratory or cardiovascular symptoms) than non‐avoiders, (p = 0.03). Food avoidance was not associated with doctor's diagnosis of food allergy or doctor's advice to avoid food (p = 1.00).

Conclusion

Food avoidance is related to child's state anxiety about an adverse food reaction. Food avoidance seems to be independent of a doctor's diagnosis of food allergy and advice on food avoidance.
Natural killer cell activity and frequency of killer cell immunoglobulin‐like receptors in children with different forms of juvenile idiopathic arthritis
Authors: Zhou Juan , Tang Xuemei , Ding Yuan , An Yunfei , Zhao Xiaodong
Published: August 2014

Background

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) has three major onset types with widely varying clinical features: systemic, polyarticular and pauciarticular. We assessed natural killer (NK) cell function and killer cell immunoglobulin‐like receptor (KIR) genotypes in patients with different JIA subtypes.

Methods

Peripheral blood samples from 72 children with active JIA (systemic, 25; polyarticular, 24; pauciarticular, 23) and 25 controls were used for flow cytometric assessments of NK cell count, cytotoxicity, perforin, granzyme B, interferon (IFN)‐γ and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α. Samples from 220 children with JIA (systemic, 84; polyarticular, 72; pauciarticular, 64) and 150 controls were used for KIR2DS2, KIR2DS4, KIR3DS1, KIR2DL1, KIR2DL2, KIR2DL3 and KIR3DL1 typing by polymerase chain reaction with sequence‐specific oligonucleotide probes.

Results

Compared with the controls, the patients with systemic JIA showed lower NK cell counts, cytotoxicity and perforin and granzyme B expression (p < 0.05), while the patients with pauci‐ and polyarticular JIA showed higher perforin and granzyme B expression (p < 0.05). NK cells produced higher level of TNF‐α while lower level of IFN‐γ in the pauci‐ and polyarticular JIA groups than in the systemic JIA group (p < 0.05). No significant differences in KIR gene frequencies were found between the JIA subgroups and healthy controls, except for the positive frequency and locus frequency of KIR2DS4, which were lower in the systemic JIA group.

Conclusions

Compared with poly‐ and pauciarticular JIA, systemic JIA is associated with decreased NK cell function, more IFN‐γ and less TNF‐α secretion of NK cell and lower KIR2DS4 frequency.
Influence of Simulated and Actual Community Vaccination Clinics on Student Empowerment and Self‐Efficacy for Public Health Nursing Competencies
Authors: Babenko‐Mould Yolanda , Ferguson Karen , Riddell Thelma , Hancock Michele , Atthill Stephanie
Published: August 2014

Objectives

To examine students’ structural empowerment during simulated learning and actual nursing practice, and assess students’ self‐efficacy for public health nursing competencies (PHNC) after involvement in a mass influenza vaccination clinic as a community practice experience.

Design

A nonexperimental survey design was used with a sample of year three baccalaureate nursing students.

Methods

Students completed a demographic form after the simulated clinic experience, they were assessed for perceptions of empowerment after being involved in the simulated and actual clinic settings, and self‐efficacy was assessed after the actual clinic experience.

Results

Students perceived themselves as structurally empowered after completing the simulated and actual community vaccination clinics. Students reported a high level of self‐efficacy for PHNC after their actual community vaccination clinic involvement. There was a significant correlation between empowerment and self‐efficacy, which suggests that when students have access to empowering structures, they feel more confident to enact PHNC that align with practice in the clinics.

Conclusion

This study suggests that nursing students acquired the necessary knowledge and skills for safe vaccination administration through the combination of simulated practice and participating in an actual public health vaccination clinic.
Developmental markers of ganglion cells in the enteric nervous system and their application for evaluation of Hirschsprung disease
Authors: Kawai Hitomi , Satomi Kaishi , Morishita Yukio , Murata Yoshihiko , Sugano Masato , Nakano Noriyuki , Noguchi Masayuki
Published: August 2014

Hirschsprung disease (HSCR) is a congenital disease resulting from failure of neural crest‐derived ganglion cells to colonize the colon. Conventional diagnostic methods are insufficient for evaluating the ‘functional’ prognosis of HSCR. In order to elucidate the maturation of ganglion cells, 17 immunohistochemical markers were examined. We examined the digestive tracts of 2 human early delivery patients, 2 miniature swine fetuses, 4 little infants, 3 infants, 3 children, 6 adults, and 3 aged individuals. With increasing age, the labeling index (LI) for both calretinin and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) increased, whereas that for SOX10 decreased. We then examined the ‘transitional zone’ of HSCR in 21 affected patients and 18 controls for these three markers. The LI of calretinin and TH were significantly lower than in the controls (median: 3.7 in HSCR and 8.2 in controls, P < 0.001, median: 27.9 in HSCR and 44.4 in controls, P < 0.001, respectively). In contrast, the LI for SOX10 showed no significant difference (median: 33.7 in HSCR and 29.2 in controls, P = 0.666) however, hierarchical cluster analysis was able to divide HSCR patients into two groups. These results suggest that immature ganglion cells are present in the transitional zone of HSCR, and that HSCR may have two different pathophysiological processes.
Foreign entry and firm R&D: evidence from Chinese manufacturing industries
Authors: Anwar Sajid , Sun Sizhong
Published: August 2014

By making use of firm‐level panel data from 2005 to 2007, this paper empirically examines the relationship between research and development (R&D) behaviour and the presence of foreign firms in China's four major manufacturing industries. The manufacturing industries considered are (1) car manufacturing, (2) household electrical appliances, (3) electronics and (4) communication equipment manufacturing. We find that the presence of foreign firms has resulted in a significant increase in R&D intensity of all four manufacturing industries in China. While the average R&D intensity in communication equipment manufacturing is the highest, the electronics industry, which has the highest level of foreign presence, has experienced a relatively large increase in R&D intensity. This suggests that China's electronics manufacturing sector is responding to rising competition from foreign firms located in China. Foreign presence in China's car manufacturing sector is relatively small, and this industry has experienced a relatively small increase in R&D intensity because of foreign presence.
Explorative search for a high‐impact innovation: the role of technological status in the global pharmaceutical industry
Authors: Kim Changsu , Park Jong‐Hun
Published: August 2014

Extant studies suggest that the potential benefits arising from exploration are associated with access to diverse and distant knowledge across organizational and technological boundaries. However, exploration is not sufficient to assure if innovation actually occurs. Our study identifies exploration into two types, organizational and technological, and argues that the innovative effect of a firm's explorative search beyond organizational and technological boundaries is best leveraged by its technological status in an industry. Data derived from the global pharmaceutical industry indicate that a firm's search across organizational boundaries has a positive effect on its innovation impact, and such effect is strengthened when the firm is high in its technological status. However, the firm's search moving beyond its technological boundary increases innovation impact only for the group of high technological status but decreases it for the low‐status group. It appears that, in the global pharmaceutical industry, a firm's technological status is most critical to exploit knowledge from distant technology domains.
Modal Pursuit to Detect Large Displacements and Strain Fields by Digital Image Correlation
Authors: Salvini P. , Lux V. , Marotta E.
Published: August 2014

Digital image correlation offers a useful approach to resolve displacements and strains by picture comparisons. However, many of the several methods proposed in the past suffer the occurrence of large displacements between the two compared pictures. The modal pursuit approach here introduced intends giving a possible strategy to prevent this limitation. The main advantage is that the method uses a global approach for the solution strategy. The procedure uses a displacement basis that derives from a modal analysis on a membrane structure whose shape is the same as the image region under investigation. The modes are introduced a little at a time so that the procedure is facilitated to converge, even when only two pictures (undeformed and final state) are used for the matching.
Exploring Spatial Non‐Stationarity and Varying Relationships between Crash Data and Related Factors Using Geographically Weighted Poisson Regression
Authors: Shariat‐Mohaymany Afshin , Shahri Matin , Mirbagheri Babak , Matkan Ali Akbar
Published: August 2014

The spatial nature of crash data highlights the importance of employing Geographical Information Systems (GIS) in different fields of safety research. Recently, numerous studies have been carried out in safety analysis to investigate the relationships between crashes and related factors. Trip generation as a function of land use, socio‐economic, and demographic characteristics might be appropriate variables along with network characteristics and traffic volume to develop safety models. Generalized Linear Models (GLMs) describe the relationships between crashes and the explanatory variables by estimating the global and fixed coefficients. Since crash occurrences are almost certainly influenced by many spatial factors; the main objective of this study is to employ Geographically Weighted Poisson Regression (GWPR) on 253 traffic analysis zones (TAZs) in Mashhad, Iran, using traffic volume, network characteristics and trip generation variables to investigate the aspects of relationships which do not emerge when using conventional global specifications. GWPR showed an improvement in model performance as indicated by goodness‐of‐fit criteria. The results also indicated the non‐stationary state in the relationships between the number of crashes and all independent variables.
Non‐endemic cases of lymphatic filariasis
Authors: Jones Robert T.
Published: August 2014

Objective

Several cases of lymphatic filariasis (LF) have been reported in non‐endemic countries due to travellers, military personnel and expatriates spending time in and returning from endemic areas, as well as immigrants coming from these regions. These cases are reviewed to assess the scale and context of non‐endemic presentations and to consider the biological factors underlying their relative paucity.

Methods

Cases reported in the English, French, Spanish and Portuguese literature during the last 30 years were examined through a search of the PubMed, ProMED‐mail and TropNet resources.

Results

The literature research revealed 11 cases of lymphatic filariasis being reported in non‐endemic areas. The extent of further infections in recent migrants to non‐endemic countries was also revealed through the published literature.

Conclusions

The life‐cycle requirements of Wuchereria and Brugia species limit the extent of transmission of LF outside of tropical regions. However, until elimination, programmes are successful in managing the disease, there remains a possibility of low rates of infection being reported in non‐endemic areas, and increased international travel can only contribute to this phenomenon. Physicians need to be aware of the signs and symptoms of lymphatic filariasis, and infection should be considered in the differential diagnosis of people with a relevant travel history.
A retrospective evaluation of Vipera palaestinae envenomation in 18 cats: (2006–2011)
Authors: Lenchner Itzik , Aroch Itamar , Segev Gilad , Kelmer Efrat , Bruchim Yaron
Published: August 2014

Objective

To describe the clinical signs, clinicopathologic abnormalities, treatment, complications and outcome, and to identify risk factors for death in cats envenomed by Vipera palaestinae (Vp).

Design

Retrospective study.

Setting

Veterinary teaching hospital.

Animals

Eighteen client‐owned cats envenomed by Vp.

Interventions

None.

Measurements and Main Results

All envenomations occurred during the hot season (May to October), mostly in young (<4 years, 66%) domestic shorthair, outdoor or indoor‐outdoor cats. Clinical signs included tachypnea (>40/min, 100%), lameness (78%), depression (71%), fang penetration marks (55%), hypothermia (<37.5°C, 43%), hematoma at the envenomation site (27%), tachycardia (>220/min, 20%), and bradycardia (<140/min, 20%). Hematologic abnormalities included thrombocytopenia (89%), hemoconcentration (33%), and leukocytosis (33%). The activated partial thromboplastin and prothrombin times were prolonged in 100% and in 93% of the cats at presentation to a veterinarian, and remained prolonged 12–24 hours later in 92% and in 77% of the cats, respectively. Cats displayed increased serum creatine kinase activity (100%) and hyperglycemia (89%). Four cats (22%) did not survive. Median hospitalization time was 2 days. Variables associated with death included lower body weight (P = 0.01), lower initial rectal temperature (P = 0.02), lower initial hematocrit (P < 0.001) and 12–24 hours later (P = 0.001), and lower total plasma protein at 12–24 hours following presentation (P = 0.001). There was no association between death and administration of antivenom (10 mL/cat), fresh frozen plasma, or corticosteroids.

Conclusions

Cats are at least as susceptible as dogs to Vp envenomation. Lower body weight, rectal temperature, and hematocrit at presentation were associated with nonsurvival.
Dynamic control of local field emission current from carbon nanowalls
Authors: Wang Ying , Yang Yumeng , Wu Yihong
Published: August 2014

The authors report on a systematic study of modulation of the field emission current from carbon nanowalls using a sharp probe as the anode in an ultrahigh vacuum system. Modulation of the local emission current was achieved by either varying the anode–cathode distance (d) with the aid of an AC magnetic field or superimposing a small AC bias on a DC bias during the field emission measurement. Current modulation ratio of over two orders of magnitude was achieved with the modulation becoming more efficient at a smaller d. The experimental results are discussed using the Fowler–Nordheim theory in combination with a simple cantilever model to account for the modulation effect. The experimental results demonstrated good static stability and dynamic controllability of local field emission current from the carbon nanowalls.
Fabrication and characterization of aluminum-molybdenum nanocomposite membranes
Authors: van den Hurk Remko , Nelson-Fitzpatrick Nathan , Evoy Stephane
Published: August 2014

Nanomembranes with thicknesses less than 100 nm and high width-to-thickness ratios are of interest in sensing, energy storage, actuator, and optical applications. The fabrication of conductive nanocomposite aluminum-molybdenum (AlMo) membranes as thin as 28 nm and high fracture strength is reported. The density, Poisson's ratio, and Young's modulus of the membranes were determined to be ρ = 5000 ± 550 kg/m3, σ = 0.33 ± 0.05, and E = 127 ± 21 GPa, respectively. The intrinsic stress of the membranes was determined by bulge testing, finite element analysis (FEA), and classical mechanics. The resonance frequencies of the membranes were assessed using FEA and measured by optical interferometry. The fracture strength of the AlMo membranes was 1.89 ± 0.45 GPa, and the average resistivity was ρ = 5810 ± 44 μΩ cm. The high fracture strength and low resistivity of such AlMo membranes makes them attractive in the design of microdevices requiring ultrathin yet electrically conductive membranes.
Heel Pain in Youth: A Guide to Potential Management Strategies
Authors: Weber Michelle L. , Picha Kelsey J. , Valovich McLeod Tamara C.
Published: August 2014

Calcaneal apophysitis, or Sever's disease, is common among physically active youth between the ages of 8-15. This condition is related to skeletal growth during maturation and relief often comes once growth is complete. However, it is not feasible to limit participation in physical activity until growth ceases; therefore, it is important to determine effective interventions to regulate pain while continuing participation. A search of the literature yielded nine studies that met the inclusion criteria and were included for data analysis. Within these publications, many treatment methods were suggested, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), taping, orthoses, heel lifts, stretching, activity modification, and ice. However, few of the treatment options were compared with a control group. Analysis revealed that clinicians should provide treatments with caution when treating patients suffering from Sever's disease, understanding that strong evidence is not supportive of one treatment option alone. Data are limited for individual treatments related to calcaneal apophysitis and more research in this area is warranted. Clinicians should work with patients on an individual basis to determine if one form of treatment provides a reduction of pain and allows that patient to continue with activity.
Meralgia Paresthetica in a Male Collegiate Lacrosse Player
Authors: Koesterer Thomas , Blanchard Aaron , Donnelly Patrick
Published: August 2014

Objective:

To present a unique case of meralgia paresthetica.

Background:

A 21-year-old male collegiate lacrosse player fell, twisted his right leg, and felt a “pop” in his hip. Objective fndings included: antalgic gait, mild palpable swelling, and tenderness to touch with limited range of motion due to pain. Joint stability tests were negative.

Differential Diagnosis:

Right hip abductor strain, hip sprain, trochanteric bursitis, or labral tear.

Treatment:

The physician’s findings included deep hip pain that increased with hip scouring and pain with active and passive motion. The physician’s diagnosis was hip sprain; treatment was to continue with ice and begin active progression for return to play. The athlete was treated over the next several days with warm whirlpools, stretching, and a hip fexor wrap. Ten days postinjury, the athlete played in a game, but in the fourth quarter came off the field stating he couldn’t feel his thigh. The orthopedic physician evaluated the athlete and provided a differential diagnosis of right hip fexor strain and hip capsule sprain with numbness, possibly due to meralgia paresthetica. The physician ordered treatment to continue and began a regimen of 600 mg of ibuprofen three times per day and noted the athlete could continue to play.

Uniqueness:

The athlete did not show any symptoms of meralgia paresthetica for 10 days post initial injury. The meralgia paresthetica was most likely caused by swelling resulting from the hip sprain, in which the swelling compressed the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN) against the inguinal ligament.

Conclusions:

Meralgia paresthetica may occur as a result of trauma and subsequent swelling of the inguinal region. A thorough evaluation of the hip must be conducted to ensure no motor neuron involvement is associated with the paresthesia symptoms.