bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A critical reflection on process of a collaborative inquiry in a mental health service
Authors: Patterson Sue , Goulter Nicole
Published: October 2014

Collaborative inquiry involves a group of people in iterative examination of a shared experience, action to address identified concerns, and reflection. We describe our attempt to conduct a collaborative inquiry into the roles and experiences of health professionals designated as recovery champions within a mental health service. Our linked goals were to work with champions to support the desired shift in approach to care and implementation of recovery practices, and to gather data to develop our own understanding of the service culture. The inquiry opened up a communicative space in which robust discussion elucidated the complexities of implementing ‘recovery’ within a highly governed and scrutinised environment. Numerous problems and some opportunities for practice improvement were identified but with too little time and emotional space to engender group identity and work through ambiguity inherent in collaborative inquiry, no actions were implemented. However, champions came to appreciate substantial progress made and understand the service as one ‘in recovery’. They developed a sense of themselves as agents of change and agreed to continue the process independently. Review of the process sheds light on successes and limitations, drawing attention to the importance of context and realistic planning when considering such an inquiry.
Evaluation of linden fibre as a potential reinforcement material for polymer composites
Authors: Seki Yasemin , Seki Yoldaş , Sarikanat Mehmet , Sever Kutlay , Durmuşkahya Cenk , Bozacı Ebru
Published: November 2014

The aim of this study is to characterize linden fibres as a novel cellulose-based fibre to be used as a reinforcement material in composites and to investigate the adhesion property to unsaturated polyester. Up to now, there is no report regarding the potential usability of linden fibre in composite applications. Linden fibres were extracted from the stem of a plant of Tilia rubra DC. subsp. caucasica (Rupr.) V.Engl. Characterization of linden fibres was studied by Fourier transform infrared, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray diffraction analysis, tensile and pull-out tests. Morphological properties of the fibres were observed through scanning electron and optical microscopes. Initial degradation temperature of the linden fibre was reported to be 238℃. The tensile strength and the Young’s modulus of the linden fibres were calculated to be 675.4 ± 45.7 MPa and 61.0 ± 9.8 GPa, respectively. The interfacial shear strength of the linden fibre with unsaturated polyester matrix was computed as 26.15 ± 2.27 MPa via pullout test. This study offers an alternative and eco-friendly reinforcement material which may have usability potential in polymeric composites.
Dietary vitamin A regulates wingless-related MMTV integration site signaling to alter the hair cycle
Authors: Suo Liye , Sundberg John P , Everts Helen B
Published: November 2014

Alopecia areata (AA) is an autoimmune hair loss disease caused by a cell-mediated immune attack of the lower portion of the cycling hair follicle. Feeding mice 3–7 times the recommended level of dietary vitamin A accelerated the progression of AA in the graft-induced C3H/HeJ mouse model of AA. In this study, we also found that dietary vitamin A, in a dose dependent manner, activated the hair follicle stem cells (SCs) to induce the development and growth phase of the hair cycle (anagen), which may have made the hair follicle more susceptible to autoimmune attack. Our purpose here is to determine the mechanism by which dietary vitamin A regulates the hair cycle. We found that vitamin A in a dose-dependent manner increased nuclear localized beta-catenin (CTNNB1; a marker of canonical wingless-type Mouse Mammary Tumor Virus integration site family (WNT) signaling) and levels of WNT7A within the hair follicle bulge in these C3H/HeJ mice. These findings suggest that feeding mice high levels of dietary vitamin A increases WNT signaling to activate hair follicle SCs.
Beetroot juice reduces infarct size and improves cardiac function following ischemia–reperfusion injury: Possible involvement of endogenous H2S
Authors: Salloum Fadi N , Sturz Gregory R , Yin Chang , Rehman Shabina , Hoke Nicholas N , Kukreja Rakesh C , Xi Lei
Published: November 2014

Ingestion of high dietary nitrate in the form of beetroot juice (BRJ) has been shown to exert antihypertensive effects in humans through increasing cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) levels. Since enhanced cGMP protects against myocardial ischemia–reperfusion (I/R) injury through upregulation of hydrogen sulfide (H2S), we tested the hypothesis that BRJ protects against I/R injury via H2S. Adult male CD-1 mice received either regular drinking water or those dissolved with BRJ powder (10 g/L, containing ∼0.7 mM nitrate). Seven days later, the hearts were explanted for molecular analyses. Subsets of mice were subjected to I/R injury by occlusion of the left coronary artery for 30 min and reperfusion for 24 h. A specific inhibitor of H2S producing enzyme – cystathionine-γ-lyase (CSE), dl-propargylglycine (PAG, 50 mg/kg) was given i.p. 30 min before ischemia. Myocardial infarct size was significantly reduced in BRJ-fed mice (15.8 ± 3.2%) versus controls (46.5 ± 3.5%, mean ± standard error [ SE], n = 6/group, P < .05). PAG completely blocked the infarct-limiting effect of BRJ. Moreover, BRJ significantly preserved ventricular function following I/R. Myocardial levels of H2S and its putative protein target – vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) were significantly increased by BRJ intake, whereas CSE mRNA and protein content did not change. Interestingly, the BRJ-induced cardioprotection was not associated with elevated blood nitrate–nitrite levels following I/R nor induction of cardiac peroxiredoxin 5, a mitochondrial antioxidant enzyme previously linked to nitrate-induced cardioprotection. We conclude that BRJ ingestion protects against post-I/R myocardial infarction and ventricular dysfunction possibly through CSE-mediated endogenous H2S generation. BRJ could be a promising natural and inexpensive nutraceutical supplement to reduce cardiac I/R injury in patients.
Arthroscopic suprascapular neurotomy for the painful irreparable rotator cuff tear
Authors: Kenyon Peter , Mclaughlin-Symon Iain , Heasley Richard , Morgan Barnes , Ravenscroft Matt
Published: October 2014

Background

Massive irreparable rotator cuff tears are becoming increasingly difficult to manage.

Methods

Patients were considered for treatment if they had a painful shoulder in the presence of a compensated cuff tear. All patients had radiological evidence of a massive irreparable cuff tear and underwent suprascapular neurotomy, arthroscopically.

Results

There were 15 males and 25 females with a mean age of 74 years (range 59 years to 88 years). The mean pre-operative Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS) in all patients was 17.7, with a mean pre-operative visual analogue score (VAS) of 8.0. The mean post-operative OSS was 30.8 [27.42–34.18 = confidence interval (CI) 95%] with a mean VAS of 3.6 (2.64–4.56 CI 95%) at the 3-month (short-term) period ( n = 32). The medium-term (1-year) OSS and VAS had improved to 33.6 (32.27–34.93 = CI 95%) and 3.7 (0–8.39 CI 95%) respectively ( n = 26). The difference pre- and postoperatively at 12 months was statistically significant ( p < 0.001). Patients who underwent biceps tenotomy at the time of surgery had a less significant improvement in their VAS and OSS.

Conclusions

Suprascapular neurotomy can afford medium-term benefit in over two-thirds of the patients who would otherwise have undergone reverse polarity shoulder replacements. We consider that this is a reproducible technique.
Acceptability and User Satisfaction of a Smartphone-Based, Interactive Blood Glucose Management System in Women With Gestational Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Hirst Jane E. , Mackillop Lucy , Loerup Lise , Kevat Dev A. , Bartlett Katy , Gibson Oliver , Kenworthy Yvonne , Levy Jonathan C. , Tarassenko Lionel , Farmer Andrew
Published: November 2014

Background:

The increase in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is challenging maternity services. We have developed an interactive, smartphone-based, remote blood glucose (BG) monitoring system, GDm-health.

Aims:

The objective was to determine women’s satisfaction with using the GDm-health system and their attitudes toward their diabetes care.

Methods:

In a service development program involving 52 pregnant women (September 2012 to June 2013), BG was monitored using GDm-health from diagnosis until delivery. Following birth, women completed a structured questionnaire assessing (1) general satisfaction, (2) equipment issues, and (3) relationship with the diabetes care team. Responses were scored on a 7-point Likert-type scale. Reliability and validity of the questionnaire were assessed using statistical methods.

Results:

Of 52 women, 49 completed the questionnaire; 32 had glucose tolerance test confirmed GDM (gestation at recruitment 29 ± 4 weeks (mean ± SD), and 17 women previous GDM recommended for BG monitoring (18 ± 6 weeks). In all, 45 of 49 women agreed their care was satisfactory and the best for them, 47 of 49 and 43 of 49 agreed the equipment was convenient and reliable respectively, 42 of 49 agreed GDm-health fitted into their lifestyle, and 46 of 49 agreed they had a good relationship with their care team. Written comments supported these findings, with very positive reactions from the majority of women. Cronbach’s alpha was .89 with factor analysis corresponding with question thematic trends.

Conclusions:

This pilot demonstrates that GDm-health is acceptable and convenient for a large proportion of women. Effects on clinical and economic outcomes are currently under investigation in a randomized trial (clinicaltrials.gov NCT01916694).
DNMT3A: the DioNysian MonsTer of acute myeloid leukaemia
Authors: O’Brien Emma Conway , Brewin John , Chevassut Timothy
Published: October 2014

In the mythology of Ancient Greece, there was often a creative tension between the opposing forces of the gods Apollo and Dionysius, the two sons of Zeus. The Apollonian force was considered to be rational and lifegiving, whilst Dionysian forces were chaotic and elemental. Acute myeloid leukaemia is characterised by the clash of these forces: the chaotic proliferation of immature myeloid cells in the bone marrow overcomes the normal, orderly production of healthy blood cells. DNMT3A mutations occur early in the leukaemogenic process and may even act as “founder” mutations – the first step in a pathway towards malignant transformation. As such, these mutations may represent a Dionysian agent of disorder, inciting the chaotic myeloid proliferation and arrest of differentiation which are hallmarks of AML. This review will focus on the role of DNMT3A mutations in leukaemia pathogenesis, their influence on prognosis, and the potential for therapeutic targeting.
Weight-Biased Health Professionals and the Effects on Overweight Patients
Authors: DiGiacinto Dora , Gildon Bradford , Stamile Elliott , Aubrey Jacquelyn
Published: October 2014

A significant number of Americans are obese. Weight bias and negative attitudes have been documented among medical professionals, and these may cause obese patients to avoid seeking health care, leading to undiagnosed pathology. Some physicians lack adequate resources and patient counseling skills when addressing patient weight management. This may lead to continued weight problems and associated complications for the patient. Many physicians do not address patient obesity with urgency and determination, even though most physicians consider obesity a widespread, problematic disease. The purpose of this literature review is to assess weight discrimination and negative attitudes among health professionals and how those attitudes affect quality of care for overweight patients. Through these generalizations, sonographers can become aware of their own biases, which may lead to poor patient care.
Activation of lymphoma-associated MyD88 mutations via allostery-induced TIR-domain oligomerization
Authors: Avbelj Monika , Wolz Olaf-Oliver , Fekonja Ota , Benčina Mojca , Repič Matej , Mavri Janez , Krüger Jens , Schärfe Charlotta , Delmiro Garcia Magno , Panter Gabriela , Kohlbacher Oliver , Weber Alexander N. R. , Jerala Roman
Published: October 2014

Key Points

The hyperactive phenotype of lymphoma-associated mutations is caused by increased oligomerization propensity of the MyD88 TIR domain. The TIR domain of mutants interacts with wild-type MyD88, explaining why heterozygous mutation could be sufficient as a driver mutation.
GATA2 deficiency-associated bone marrow disorder differs from idiopathic aplastic anemia
Authors: Ganapathi Karthik A. , Townsley Danielle M. , Hsu Amy P. , Arthur Diane C. , Zerbe Christa S. , Cuellar-Rodriguez Jennifer , Hickstein Dennis D. , Rosenzweig Sergio D. , Braylan Raul C. , Young Neal S. , Holland Steven M. , Calvo Katherine R.
Published: October 2014

Key Points

GATA2 deficiency-associated bone marrow disorder can present with features that overlap with idiopathic aplastic anemia. GATA2 marrows have severely decreased hematogones, monocytes, NK cells, and B cells; variable dysplasia; and clonal cytogenetic abnormalities.
Severe haemoptysis in patients with nonsmall cell lung carcinoma
Authors: Razazi Keyvan , Parrot Antoine , Khalil Antoine , Djibre Michel , Gounant Valerie , Assouad Jalal , Carette Marie France , Fartoukh Muriel , Cadranel Jacques
Published: October 2014

Severe haemoptysis due to nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is considered a grim condition, and there is still scarce data on its characteristics and outcome, despite new imaging and treatment modalities. This retrospective study sought to describe the clinical characteristics, pathophysiology and outcome of NSCLC-related haemoptysis.

We included 125 consecutive patients with severe haemoptysis (>100 mL) at admission, 65 (52%) exhibiting squamous cell carcinoma. Tumour cavitation/necrosis was reported in 26 (21%) patients. 52 patients had received anticancer treatment, but none had received anti-angiogenic agents.

Severe haemoptysis was related mainly to the bronchial artery (82%), and major pulmonary artery involvement was rare (6.4%). Interventional radiology was performed in 102 patients. Bleeding cessation was achieved in 108 (87%) out of 125 patients. The overall in-hospital and 1-year survival rates were 69% and 30%, respectively. Performance status (PS) ≥2 (OR 3.6, 95% CI 1.3–9.6), advanced stage (OR 8.6, 95% CI 2–37) and mechanical ventilation (OR 13, 95% CI 4.5–36) were independent predictors of in-hospital mortality. Performance status ≥2 (hazard ratio (HR) 2.4, 95% CI 1.5–3.7), advanced stage (HR 4, 95% CI 2.1–7.7), cancer progression (HR 2, 95% CI 1.01–2.7) and cavitation/necrosis (HR 1.7, 95% CI 1.21–3.2) were independently associated with 1-year mortality.

Management of severe haemoptysis related to NSCLC should be improved, given our observed survival rates after hospital discharge.
Phenotype of asthmatics with increased airwayS-nitrosoglutathione reductase activity
Authors: Marozkina Nadzeya V. , Wang Xin-Qun , Stsiapura Vitali , Fitzpatrick Anne , Carraro Silvia , Hawkins Gregory A. , Bleecker Eugene , Meyers Deborah , Jarjour Nizar , Fain Sean B. , Wenzel Sally , Busse William , Castro Mario , Panettieri Reynold A. , Moore Wendy , Lewis Stephen J. , Palmer Lisa A. , Altes Talissa , de Lange Eduard E. , Erzurum Serpil , Teague W. Gerald , Gaston Benjamin
Published: October 2014

S-Nitrosoglutathione is an endogenous airway smooth muscle relaxant. Increased airwayS-nitrosoglutathione breakdown occurs in some asthma patients. We asked whether patients with increased airway catabolism of this molecule had clinical features that distinguished them from other asthma patients.

We measuredS-nitrosoglutathione reductase expression and activity in bronchoscopy samples taken from 66 subjects in the Severe Asthma Research Program. We also analysed phenotype and genotype data taken from the program as a whole.

AirwayS-nitrosoglutathione reductase activity was increased in asthma patients (p=0.032). However, only a subpopulation was affected and this subpopulation was not defined by a “severe asthma” diagnosis. Subjects with increased activity were younger, had higher IgE and an earlier onset of symptoms. Consistent with a link betweenS-nitrosoglutathione biochemistry and atopy: 1) interleukin 13 increasedS-nitrosoglutathione reductase expression and 2) subjects with anS-nitrosoglutathione reductase single nucleotide polymorphism previously associated with asthma had higher IgE than those without this single nucleotide polymorphism. Expression was higher in airway epithelium than in smooth muscle and was increased in regions of the asthmatic lung with decreased airflow.

An early-onset, allergic phenotype characterises the asthma population with increasedS-nitrosoglutathione reductase activity.
Variability of within-breath reactance in COPD patients and its association with dyspnoea
Authors: Aarli Bernt B. , Calverley Peter M.A. , Jensen Robert L. , Eagan Tomas M.L. , Bakke Per S. , Hardie Jon A.
Published: October 2014

The forced oscillation technique can identify expiratory flow limitation (EFL) when a large difference in inspiratory and expiratory reactance (ΔXrs) occurs. However, flow limitation can vary from breath to breath, and so we compared a multiple-breath ΔXrsapproach to the traditional breath-by-breath assessment of EFL. We investigated the within- and between-day reproducibility and the factors that affect the size of ΔXrswhen used as a continuous measurement over multiple breaths. In addition, we examined how multiple-breath ΔXrsrelates to the sensation of breathlessness.

425 moderate to very severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients and 229 controls were included. Spirometry and impedance measurements were performed on a MasterScope CT Impulse Oscillation System.

Median ΔXrsapproached zero in healthy controls with little variation between measurements. COPD patients generally had higher ΔXrsand higher variability. The COPD patients with ΔXrs>0.1 kPa·L−1·s−1were prone to be more breathless and had a higher modified Medical Research Council dyspnoea scale score. In controls, the 95th percentile of ΔXrswas as low as 0.07 kPa·L−1·s−1.

We describe a new method to assess EFL at a patient level and propose a cut-off, mean ΔXrs>0.1 kPa·L−1·s−1, as a way to identify COPD patients who are more likely to report dyspnoea.
Infantile respiratory syncytial virus and human rhinovirus infections: respective role in inception and persistence of wheezing
Authors: Rossi Giovanni A. , Colin Andrew A.
Published: October 2014

There is evidence that respiratory viruses play a key role in the development and exacerbation of obstructive respiratory diseases in children. This review attempts to juxtapose the separate profiles and prototypes of pathogenenetic mechanisms represented by the two most common amongst such viruses: respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and human rhinovirus (HRV).

RSV represents the most common agent of severe airway disease in infants and young children, and is predominant in winter months. Large epidemiological studies have revealed an unequivocal relationship between RSV infection and subsequent wheezing into childhood, thought to be related to long-term changes in neuroimmune control of the airways rather than allergic sensitisation.

HRV is a highly diverse group of viruses that affect subjects of all ages, is ubiquitous and occurs year-round. In contrast to RSV, infections with HRV cause minimal cytotoxicity but induce a rapid production of cytokines and chemokines with amplification of the inflammatory response. The susceptibility to HRV-induced bronchiolitis and subsequent wheezing appears to be linked to individual predisposition since it is often associated with a family or personal history of asthma/atopy.

Thus, RSV probably serves as an “inducer” rather than a “trigger”. Conversely, HRVs seem to serve as a “trigger” rather than an “inducer” in predisposed individuals.
Novel antiviral properties of azithromycin in cystic fibrosis airway epithelial cells
Authors: Schögler Aline , Kopf Brigitte S. , Edwards Michael R. , Johnston Sebastian L. , Casaulta Carmen , Kieninger Elisabeth , Jung Andreas , Moeller Alexander , Geiser Thomas , Regamey Nicolas , Alves Marco P.
Published: October 2014

Virus-associated pulmonary exacerbations, often associated with rhinoviruses (RVs), contribute to cystic fibrosis (CF) morbidity. Currently, there are only a few therapeutic options to treat virus-induced CF pulmonary exacerbations. The macrolide antibiotic azithromycin has antiviral properties in human bronchial epithelial cells. We investigated the potential of azithromycin to induce antiviral mechanisms in CF bronchial epithelial cells.

Primary bronchial epithelial cells from CF and control children were infected with RV after azithromycin pre-treatment. Viral RNA, interferon (IFN), IFN-stimulated gene and pattern recognition receptor expression were measured by real-time quantitative PCR. Live virus shedding was assessed by assaying the 50% tissue culture infective dose. Pro-inflammatory cytokine and IFN-β production were evaluated by ELISA. Cell death was investigated by flow cytometry.

RV replication was increased in CF compared with control cells. Azithromycin reduced RV replication seven-fold in CF cells without inducing cell death. Furthermore, azithromycin increased RV-induced pattern recognition receptor, IFN and IFN-stimulated gene mRNA levels. While stimulating antiviral responses, azithromycin did not prevent virus-induced pro-inflammatory responses.

Azithromycin pre-treatment reduces RV replication in CF bronchial epithelial cells, possibly through the amplification of the antiviral response mediated by the IFN pathway. Clinical studies are needed to elucidate the potential of azithromycin in the management and prevention of RV-induced CF pulmonary exacerbations.
Optimal investment with stopping in finite horizon
Authors: Jian Xiongfei , Li Xun , Yi Fahuai
Published: October 2014

In this paper, we investigate dynamic optimization problems featuring both stochastic control and optimal stopping in a finite time horizon. The paper aims to develop new methodologies, which are significantly different from those of mixed dynamic optimal control and stopping problems in the existing literature. We formulate our model to a free boundary problem of a fully nonlinear equation. Furthermore, by means of a dual transformation for the above problem, we convert the above problem to a new free boundary problem of a linear equation. Finally, we apply the theoretical results to some challenging, yet practically relevant and important, risk-sensitive problems in wealth management to obtain the properties of the optimal strategy and the right time to achieve a certain level over a finite time investment horizon.

MSC:35R35, 91B28, 93E20.
Some identities of special q-polynomials
Authors: Dolgy Dmitry V , Kim Dae San , Kim Taekyun , Rim Seog-Hoon
Published: October 2014

In this paper, we investigate some identities of q-extensions of special polynomials which are derived from the fermonic q-integral on

Z
p

and the bosonic q-integral on 

Z
p

.
Existence and uniqueness of fixed point for mixed monotone ternary operators with application
Authors: Bu Changchang , Feng Yuqiang , Li Hui
Published: October 2014

In this paper, partial order theory is used to study the fixed point of a mixed monotone ternary operator

A
:
P
×
P
×
P
→
P

. The existence and uniqueness of a fixed point are obtained without assuming the operators to be compact or continuous. In the end, the application to an integral equation is presented. Our results unify, generalize, and complement various known comparable results from the current literature.

MSC:47H05, 47H10.
A two-axis cable-driven ankle-foot mechanism
Authors: Ficanha Evandro M , Rastgaar Mohammad , Kaufman Kenton R
Published: November 2014

This paper describes a novel cable-driven ankle-foot mechanism with two controllable degrees of freedom (DOF) in dorsiflexion-plantarflexion (DP) and inversion-eversion (IE). The presented mechanism is a proof of concept to demonstrate feasibility. Ankle kinematic measurements demonstrate that ankle IE rotations during a step turn are significantly different from walking on a straight path. This suggests that the ankle-foot mechanisms used in prostheses, exoskeletons, and bipedal robots can be improved by controlling a second degree of freedom in the frontal plane. The proposed prototype mechanism is described in detail, and its design considerations and parameters are presented. The mechanism is capable of producing trajectories similar to the human ankle during a step turn. The device shows passive mechanical impedance close to the human ankle mechanical impedance, allowing its mechanical impedance to be controlled using an impedance controller. The presented mechanism is capable of providing key mechanical characteristics similar to the human ankle, including power, range of motion, and weight, suggesting the feasibility of this design concept.
CD4+/CD8+ double-positive T cells: more than just a developmental stage?
Authors: Overgaard Nana H , Jung Ji-Won , Steptoe Raymond J , Wells James W
Published: October 2014

CD4+/CD8+ DP thymocytes are a well-described T cell developmental stage within the thymus. However, once differentiated, the CD4+ lineage or the CD8+ lineage is generally considered to be fixed. Nevertheless, mature CD4+/CD8+ DP T cells have been described in the blood and peripheral lymphoid tissues of numerous species, as well as in numerous disease settings, including cancer. The expression of CD4 and CD8 is regulated by a very strict transcriptional program involving the transcription factors Runx3 and ThPOK. Initially thought to be mutually exclusive within CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, CD4+/CD8+ T cell populations, outside of the thymus, have recently been described to express concurrently ThPOK and Runx3. Considerable heterogeneity exists within the CD4+/CD8+ DP T cell pool, and the function of CD4+/CD8+ T cell populations remains controversial, with conflicting reports describing cytotoxic or suppressive roles for these cells. In this review, we describe how transcriptional regulation, lineage of origin, heterogeneity of CD4 and CD8 expression, age, species, and specific disease settings influence the functionality of this rarely studied T cell population.
Comorbid medical illness in bipolar disorder
Authors: Forty Liz , Ulanova Anna , Jones Lisa , Jones Ian , Gordon-Smith Katherine , Fraser Christine , Farmer Anne , McGuffin Peter , Lewis Cathryn M. , Hosang Georgina M. , Rivera Margarita , Craddock Nick
Published: October 2014

Background

Individuals with a mental health disorder appear to be at increased risk of medical illness.

Aims

To examine rates of medical illnesses in patients with bipolar disorder (n = 1720) and to examine the clinical course of the bipolar illness according to lifetime medical illness burden.

Method

Participants recruited within the UK were asked about the lifetime occurrence of 20 medical illnesses, interviewed using the Schedules for Clinical Assessment in Neuropsychiatry (SCAN) and diagnosed according to DSM-IV criteria.

Results

We found significantly increased rates of several medical illnesses in our bipolar sample. A high medical illness burden was associated with a history of anxiety disorder, rapid cycling mood episodes, suicide attempts and mood episodes with a typically acute onset.

Conclusions

Bipolar disorder is associated with high rates of medical illness. This comorbidity needs to be taken into account by services in order to improve outcomes for patients with bipolar disorder and also in research investigating the aetiology of affective disorder where shared biological pathways may play a role.

Declarations of interest

None.
Persistent ERK/MAPK Activation Promotes Lactotrope Differentiation and Diminishes Tumorigenic Phenotype
Authors: Booth Allyson , Trudeau Tammy , Gomez Crystal , Lucia M. Scott , Gutierrez-Hartmann Arthur
Published: October 2014

The signaling pathways that govern the lactotrope-specific differentiated phenotype, and those that control lactotrope proliferation in both physiological and pathological lactotrope expansion, are poorly understood. Moreover, the specific role of MAPK signaling in lactotrope proliferation vs differentiation, whether activated phosphorylated MAPK is sufficient for prolactinoma tumor formation remain unknown. Given that oncogenic Ras mutations and persistently activated phosphorylated MAPK are found in human tumors, including prolactinomas and other pituitary tumors, a better understanding of the role of MAPK in lactotrope biology is required. Here we directly examined the role of persistent Ras/MAPK signaling in differentiation, proliferation, and tumorigenesis of rat pituitary somatolactotrope GH4 cells. We stimulated Ras/MAPK signaling in a persistent, long-term manner (over 6 d) in GH4 cells using two distinct approaches: 1) a doxycycline-inducible, oncogenic V12Ras expression system; and 2) continuous addition of exogenous epidermal growth factor. We find that long-term activation of the Ras/MAPK pathway over 6 days promotes differentiation of the bihormonal somatolactotrope GH4 precursor cell into a prolactin-secreting, lactotrope cell phenotype in vitro and in vivo with GH4 cell xenograft tumors. Furthermore, we show that persistent activation of the Ras/MAPK pathway not only fails to promote cell proliferation, but also diminishes tumorigenic characteristics in GH4 cells in vitro and in vivo. These data demonstrate that activated MAPK promotes differentiation and is not sufficient to drive tumorigenesis, suggesting that pituitary lactotrope tumor cells have the ability to evade the tumorigenic fate that is often associated with Ras/MAPK activation.
Mexican Recruits and Vagrants in Late Eighteenth-Century Philippines: Empire, Social Order, and Bourbon Reforms in the Spanish Pacific World
Authors: Mehl Eva Maria
Published: October 2014

Between 1765 and 1811, Mexico City sent to Manila, Philippines, about 4,000 Mexicans, including recruits and vagrants who had been sentenced to military service or public works. At this time, the Spanish empire was undertaking a military overhaul in the Pacific. However, viceregal authorities used Manila's need for military replacements to exile individuals who embodied despised moral attributes. The office of the viceroy was apparently unaware of or unconcerned by the problems faced by Manila's authorities as they tried to employ these difficult men in defense of the archipelago. By showing that New Spain played a central role in sculpting Spain's relationship with her most remote possession, this article contributes to the scholarship that challenges the interpretation of the absolutist state as absolute. This transportation process also illuminates that the history of the Spanish Philippines is better apprehended by including the history of colonial Mexico, and vice versa.
Prodigal Sons and Beardless Machos: Labor, Migration, and Masculinity at Itaipú Binacional, Alto Paraná, Paraguay, 1974–1980
Authors: White John Howard
Published: October 2014

In the mid-1970s, construction of the world's largest hydroelectric dam, Itaipú Binacional, on the Paraná River attracted thousands of migrants to the border of Brazil and Paraguay in search of employment. Single male workers found employment with the consortium companies constructing the project, including Paraguay's flagship corporation, Conempa. In the barracks and community center located within the construction zone, single men were exposed to an array of company programs in health, safety, education, recreation, and social welfare intended to shape a new cadre of productive workers and idealized citizens for the new Paraguay envisioned by the military regime. Corporate ideas regarding gender and appropriate sexuality for male workers formed a key pillar in such initiatives. However, as the infrastructure project moved along its construction schedule and toward completion, the popular figure of the arriero perõ (beardless macho) emerged in the company press as a counterexample to company formulations of idealized masculinity for male dam workers.
Near-isogenic lines ofTriticum aestivumwith distinct modes of resistance exhibit dissimilar transcriptional regulation duringDiuraphis noxiafeeding
Authors: Botha Anna-Maria , van Eck Leon , Burger N. Francois V. , Swanevelder Zacharias H.
Published: November 2014

Russian wheat aphid (Diuraphis noxia, Kurdjumov) feeding on susceptible Triticum aestivum L. leads to leaf rolling, chlorosis and plant death – symptoms not present in resistant lines. Although the effects of several D. noxia (Dn) resistance genes are known, none have been isolated or characterized. Wheat varieties expressing different Dn genes exhibit distinct modes of D. noxia resistance, such as antibiosis (Dn1), tolerance (Dn2), and antixenosis (Dn5). However, the mechanism whereby feeding aphids are perceived, and how subsequent transcriptional responses are partitioned into resistance categories, remains unclear. Here we report on downstream events in near-isogenic wheat lines containing different Dn genes after D. noxia biotype SA1 feeding. Transcripts involved in stress, signal transduction, photosynthesis, metabolism and gene regulation were differentially regulated during D. noxia feeding. Expression analyses using RT-qPCR and RNA hybridization, as well as enzyme activity profiling, provide evidence that the timing and intensity of pathways induced are critical in the development of particular modes of resistance. Pathways involved include the generation of kinase signalling cascades that lead to a sustained oxidative burst, and a hypersensitive response that is active during antibiosis. Tolerance is a passive resistance mechanism that acts through repair or de novo synthesis of photosystem proteins. Results further suggest that ethylene-mediated pathways are possibly involved in generating volatile compounds and cell wall fortification during the antixenosic response.
Dynamically-expressed prion-like proteins form a cuticle in the pharynx ofCaenorhabditis elegans
Authors: George-Raizen Julia B. , Shockley Keith R. , Trojanowski Nicholas F. , Lamb Annesia L. , Raizen David M.
Published: November 2014

In molting animals, a cuticular extracellular matrix forms the first barrier to infection and other environmental insults. In the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans there are two types of cuticle: a well-studied collagenous cuticle lines the body, and a poorly-understood chitinous cuticle lines the pharynx. In the posterior end of the pharynx is the grinder, a tooth-like cuticular specialization that crushes food prior to transport to the intestine for digestion. We here show that the grinder increases in size only during the molt. To gain molecular insight into the structure of the grinder and pharyngeal cuticle, we performed a microarray analysis to identify mRNAs increased during the molt. We found strong transcriptional induction during the molt of 12 of 15 previously identified abu genes encoding Prion-like (P) glutamine (Q) and asparagine (N) rich PQN proteins, as well as 15 additional genes encoding closely related PQN proteins. abu/pqn genes, which we name the abu/pqn paralog group (APPG) genes, were expressed in pharyngeal cells and the proteins encoded by two APPG genes we tested localized to the pharyngeal cuticle. Deleting the APPG gene abu-14 caused abnormal pharyngeal cuticular structures and knocking down other APPG genes resulted in abnormal cuticular function. We propose that APPG proteins promote the assembly and function of a unique cuticular structure. The strong developmental regulation of the APPG genes raises the possibility that such genes would be identified in transcriptional profiling experiments in which the animals' developmental stage is not precisely staged.
Asymmetric inheritance of cytoophidia in Schizosaccharomyces pombe
Authors: Zhang Jing , Hulme Lydia , Liu Ji-Long
Published: November 2014

A general view is that Schizosaccharomyces pombe undergoes symmetric cell division with two daughter cells inheriting equal shares of the content from the mother cell. Here we show that CTP synthase, a metabolic enzyme responsible for the de novo synthesis of the nucleotide CTP, can form filamentous cytoophidia in the cytoplasm and nucleus of S. pombe cells. Surprisingly, we observe that both cytoplasmic and nuclear cytoophidia are asymmetrically inherited during cell division. Our time-lapse studies suggest that cytoophidia are dynamic. Once the mother cell divides, the cytoplasmic and nuclear cytoophidia independently partition into one of the two daughter cells. Although the two daughter cells differ from one another morphologically, they possess similar chances of inheriting the cytoplasmic cytoophidium from the mother cell, suggesting that the partition of cytoophidium is a stochastic process. Our findings on asymmetric inheritance of cytoophidia in S. pombe offer an exciting opportunity to study the inheritance of metabolic enzymes in a well-studied model system.
Genome-wide view of TGFβ/Foxh1 regulation of the early mesendoderm program
Authors: Chiu William T. , Charney Le Rebekah , Blitz Ira L. , Fish Margaret B. , Li Yi , Biesinger Jacob , Xie Xiaohui , Cho Ken W. Y.
Published: October 2014

Nodal/TGFβ signaling regulates diverse biological responses. By combining RNA-seq on Foxh1 and Nodal signaling loss-of-function embryos with ChIP-seq of Foxh1 and Smad2/3, we report a comprehensive genome-wide interaction between Foxh1 and Smad2/3 in mediating Nodal signaling during vertebrate mesendoderm development. This study significantly increases the total number of Nodal target genes regulated by Foxh1 and Smad2/3, and reinforces the notion that Foxh1-Smad2/3-mediated Nodal signaling directly coordinates the expression of a cohort of genes involved in the control of gene transcription, signaling pathway modulation and tissue morphogenesis during gastrulation. We also show that Foxh1 may function independently of Nodal signaling, in addition to its role as a transcription factor mediating Nodal signaling via Smad2/3. Finally, we propose an evolutionarily conserved interaction between Foxh1 and PouV, a mechanism observed in Pou5f1-mediated regulation of pluripotency in human embryonic stem and epiblast cells.
The majority of early primordial germ cells acquire pluripotency by AKT activation
Authors: Matsui Yasuhisa , Takehara Asuka , Tokitake Yuko , Ikeda Makiko , Obara Yuka , Morita-Fujimura Yuiko , Kimura Tohru , Nakano Toru
Published: October 2014

Primordial germ cells (PGCs) are undifferentiated germ cells in embryos, the fate of which is to become gametes; however, mouse PGCs can easily be reprogrammed into pluripotent embryonic germ cells (EGCs) in culture in the presence of particular extracellular factors, such as combinations of Steel factor (KITL), LIF and bFGF (FGF2). Early PGCs form EGCs more readily than do later PGCs, and PGCs lose the ability to form EGCs by embryonic day (E) 15.5. Here, we examined the effects of activation of the serine/threonine kinase AKT in PGCs during EGC formation; notably, AKT activation, in combination with LIF and bFGF, enhanced EGC formation and caused ∼60% of E10.5 PGCs to become EGCs. The results indicate that the majority of PGCs at E10.5 could acquire pluripotency with an activated AKT signaling pathway. Importantly, AKT activation did not fully substitute for bFGF and LIF, and AKT activation without both LIF and bFGF did not result in EGC formation. These findings indicate that AKT signal enhances and/or collaborates with signaling pathways of bFGF and of LIF in PGCs for the acquisition of pluripotency.
Huntingtin is required for ER-to-Golgi transport and for secretory vesicle fusion at the plasma membrane
Authors: Brandstaetter Hemma , Kruppa Antonina J. , Buss Folma
Published: November 2014

Huntingtin is a large membrane associated scaffolding protein that associates with endocytic and exocytic vesicles and modulates their trafficking along cytoskeletal tracks. Although Huntington’s disease progression is linked to toxic accumulation of mutant huntingtin protein, loss of wildtype huntingtin function may also contribute to neuronal cell death but its precise function is not well understood. Therefore, we investigated the molecular role of huntingtin in exocytosis and observed that huntingtin knockdown in HeLa cells causes a delay in ER-to-Golgi transport and a reduction in the number of cargo vesicles leaving the trans-Golgi network. In addition, huntingtin is required for secretory vesicle fusion at the plasma membrane. Similar defects in the early exocytic pathway were observed in primary fibroblasts from homozygous Q140 huntingtin knock-in mice that lack wildtype huntingtin expression. Interestingly, heterozygous fibroblasts from a Huntington’s disease patient with a Q180 expansion displayed no obvious defects in the early secretory pathway. Thus, our results highlight the requirement for wildtype huntingtin at distinct steps along the secretory pathway.
A novel factorOPT2mediates exposure of phospholipids during cellular adaptation to altered lipid asymmetry
Authors: Yamauchi Saori , Obara Keisuke , Uchibori Kenya , Kamimura Akiko , Azumi Kaoru , Kihara Akio
Published: October 2014

Plasma membrane lipid asymmetry is important for various membrane-associated functions and regulated by membrane proteins termed flippases and floppases. The Rim101 pathway senses altered lipid asymmetry in the yeast plasma membrane. The mutant lem3Δ cells, in which lipid asymmetry is disturbed due to the inactivation of the plasma membrane flippases, showed a severe growth defect when the Rim101 pathway was impaired. To identify factors involved in the Rim101 pathway-dependent adaptation to altered lipid asymmetry, we performed DNA microarray analysis and found that Opt2 induced by the Rim101 pathway plays an important role in the adaptation to altered lipid asymmetry. Biochemical investigation of Opt2 revealed its localization to the plasma membrane and the Golgi apparatus and provided several lines of evidence for the Opt2-mediated exposure of phospholipids. In addition, Opt2 was found to be required for the maintenance of vacuole morphology and polarized cell growth. These results suggest that Opt2 is a novel factor involved in cell homeostasis by regulating lipid asymmetry.
Finite-Time Vibration Control of Earthquake Excited Linear Structures with Input Time-Delay and Saturation
Authors: Weng Falu , Ding Yuanchun , Ge Ji , Liang Liming , Yang Guoliang
Published: October 2014

The problem of finite-time vibration control of earthquake excited linear structures with input time-delay and saturation is concerned in this paper. The objective of designing controllers is to guarantee the finite-time stability of closed-loop systems while attenuating earthquake-induced vibration of the structures. First, based on matrix transformation, the structural system is described as a state-space model, which contains actuator saturation and input time-delay. Then, based on a Lyapunov functional and finite-time stability analysis method, some sufficient conditions for the existence of saturation-tolerant finite-time vibration-attenuation controllers are obtained. By solving these conditions, the desired controllers can be obtained for the closed-loop system to be finite-time stable with a prescribed level of disturbance attenuation. It is shown by the simulation results that compared with some Lyapunov asymptotic stability results, finite-time stability control can result in better state responses. Furthermore, saturation-tolerant controller can result in a much lower controller gain than the ones without considering actuator saturations.
Numerical Assessment of Rectangular Side Inlet/Outlet Plenums Internally Equipped with Two Crossed Baffles Using an FEM, Neural Network, and GA Method
Authors: Chiu Min-Chie
Published: October 2014

In this paper, a rectangular plenum internally equipped with two crossed baffles within a fixed space is assessed. To simplify the optimization process, a simplified objective function (OBJ) is constructed using the finite element model (FEM) in conjunction with the polynomial neural network model (ANNM). To assess an optimal plenum, the best OBJ will be numerically searched using a genetic algorithm (GA). Before the GA operation is performed, the accuracy of the FEM is verified using the analytical data. In addition, a case study of shape optimization on a space-constrained plenum at three targeted tones (1950 Hz, 2450 Hz, and 2850 Hz) has been introduced and carried out. The results reveal that the maximum value of the sound transmission loss (STL) can be accurately obtained at the desired frequencies. Consequently, the algorithm proposed in this study provides an efficient way to develop optimal rectangular plenums internally equipped with two crossed baffles.
Theoretical Study of Fractal-Like Kinetics of Adsorption
Authors: Bashiri Hadis , Shajari Adele
Published: October 2014

In this study, the kinetics of adsorption on the solid surfaces has been studied. Based on the Langmuir rate equation and a fractal-like kinetic model, a new rate equation has been derived. As a proof of concept, we investigated the applicability of the new equation by describing experimental data of adsorption on graphene. The fitting of the obtained equation was compared with fractal-like rate equation of Azizian. In addition, we also compared the newly derived equation with some of the common rate equations such as the Langmuir, pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order equations. Our results show that the newly derived equation is superior for describing the kinetic data compared with the aforementioned equations.
Safe Separation of the Low-Concentration and Oxygen-Bearing Coal Mine Methane by Vacuum Pressure Swing Adsorption
Authors: Yang Xiong , Liu Yingshu , Li Yongling , Meng Yu , Zhang Chuanzhao , Yan Junjie
Published: October 2014

Pressure swing adsorption (PSA) is a suitable method to enrich the concentration of methane in coal mine methane (CMM) separation processes. However, traditional PSA processes for low-concentration CMM can easily increase the concentration of methane to explosive limits, which subsequently increases the risk of explosion. In this paper, a novel PSA process for low-concentration CMM was studied. using a mixture of activated carbon (AC) and carbon molecular sieve (CMS) as the adsorbent, this method ensures that the gaseous mixture adsorbed does not reach the explosive limits by adsorbing methane and part of the oxygen simultaneously. using a two-bed vacuum PSA experimental apparatus, the low-concentration CMM was safely enriched from 20% to more than 30%, with CMS and AC mass ratio of 3.4. The results of experimental studies indicate that the mixture adsorbent (AC and CMS) has explosion-suppression and flameproof characteristics. The igniting resource (methane) will not explode even if it appears in the adsorbent layer and, in addition, the explosion will not propagate through the adsorbent layer if it happens in other areas.