bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reciprocity and volunteering
Authors: Manatschal Anita , Freitag Markus
Published: April 2014

This paper evaluates whether volunteering is imbued with altruistic or strategic reciprocity. Although scholars have intensively studied the motivations and social norms to volunteer, to date there is no agreement why human beings perform activities in which time is freely given up in order to benefit another person, group or organization. We argue that attitudes towards reciprocity and volunteering are related, but that this relationship becomes only visible if we refine the conceptual framework for both concepts. Using data from the Swiss Volunteering Survey 2009, the empirical results of our Bayesian multilevel models show the following: firstly, individuals exhibiting high levels of altruistic reciprocity are more likely to engage in informal volunteering; secondly, we find a negative relationship between altruist reciprocity and the individual likeliness to do voluntary work within non-solidary associations; thirdly, once individuals opted to engage in formal volunteering, we find that strategic reciprocity is clearly related to voluntary engagement in non-solidary associations. Overall, our conceptual foundation provides a more appropriate model to explain the formation of volunteering.
Fabrication of hydroxyapatite targets in radio frequency sputtering for surface modification of titanium dental implants
Authors: Lai Hong-Chen , Tsai His-Hsun , Hung Kuo-Yung , Feng Hui-Ping
Published: April 2014

The purpose of this study was to explore the properties of sintered hydroxyapatite specimens for developing a suitable hydroxyapatite target and a fabrication process for the radio frequency sputtering of implants. Using a compound surface treatment of sand blasting and acid etching followed by hydroxyapatite radio frequency sputtering, this work planned to develop a commercial dental implant system in the near future. First, in addition to producing hydroxyapatite parts using hot isostatic pressing, this study examined the properties of hydroxyapatite parts produced through cold pressing followed by sintering in vacuum and air. The experimental results showed that the index of crystallization, density, and Vickers hardness of the parts sintered in air were more favorable than those of parts sintered in vacuum, and that the parts sintered in vacuum could crack or break. Second, hydroxyapatite sputtering was performed on the hot isostatic pressing–produced and cold pressing–produced targets on titanium dental implant surfaces at power levels of 50 and 90 W. The results showed no cracks in the cold pressing–produced hydroxyapatite targets when the sintering condition was at 1050 °C. By contrast, cracks occurred in the hot isostatic pressing hydroxyapatite targets at a relative density in excess of 93.35%. Observing scanning electron microscopy cross-sectional images revealed that the sputtering deposition rate was approximately 0.456 nm/min at the sputtering power level of 50 W and 1.139 nm/min at 90 W.
Conductive asphalt concrete: A review on structure design, performance, and practical applications
Authors: Pan Pan , Wu Shaopeng , Xiao Feipeng , Pang Ling , Xiao Yue
Published: April 2014

Conductive asphalt concrete can be used to help pavement snow melting/deicing by an asphalt pavement electrical heater. It is an emerging technology to ensure safety driving during winter time. Based on the Joule heating law, an electric current passing through the conductive asphalt concrete (a conductor) could generate enough heat to prevent snow accumulation and icing on the asphalt pavement surface. This article provides a review on the material design, construction technique, performance evaluation, and engineering applications of conductive asphalt concrete. The literature shows that the conductivity and mechanical properties of conductive asphalt concrete are strongly dependent on the material compositions and mixing programs. Meanwhile, the mechanism of conductivity improvement is identified according to the characteristics of conductive additives. In addition, the effects of service conditions on the resistivity are evaluated. Asphalt pavement electrical heater technique shows some appreciable advantages in environment protection and traffic safety aspects, although it has few applications in the highway industry. It therefore recommends that further investigations on asphalt pavement electrical heater are indispensable and should focus on some covered issues besides the existing research, such as proper material selection, resistivity stability, desirable high operational efficiency, and suitable construction technique.
Toughness enhancement in architecturally modified Al6061-5 vol.% SiCp laminated composites
Authors: Monazzah A Hosseini , Bagheri R , Reihani SM Seyed , Pouraliakbar H
Published: April 2014

Damage tolerance improvement in discontinuously reinforced aluminum matrix composites has been examined through both extrinsic and intrinsic approaches by researchers. In this study, extrinsic mechanism was considered in the form of architectural modification in laminates comprising two exterior layers of Al6061-5 vol.% SiCp and an interlayer of Al1050. Hot roll bonding was utilized to fabricate laminates since interfacial adhesion of layers was controlled by means of rolling strain. The interfacial strength and fracture resistance of specimens were examined by shear and three-point bending test, respectively. Achievements demonstrated that the quasi-static toughness of laminates tested in crack divider orientation was greater than that of monolithic samples. Also, it was revealed that the initiation, propagation, and total toughness were influenced by interfacial adhesion. In the other words, interfacial bonding played a major role in energy absorption during fracture. Enhancement of the interfacial adhesion by an increment in rolling strain elevated the energy consumed for emergence and growth of debonded area.
Transnational celebrity activism in Bosnia and Herzegovina: Local responses to Angelina Jolie’s film In the Land of Blood and Honey
Authors: Volcic Zala , Erjavec Karmen
Published: April 2014

This article focuses on the local understandings, responses and interpretations of celebrity activist Angelina Jolie and the film she directed in 2011 about the war rapes in Bosnia and Herzegovina: In the land of Blood and Honey. We first provide a brief historical context of the production and promotion of the film. Next, we offer a theoretical approach to the phenomenon of celebrity activism. In the third part, we look at how Jolie’s film has been received and interpreted in the region itself, since Jolie’s stated goal was to ‘raise awareness about war rapes’. On the basis of in-depth interviews with Bosnian public intellectuals, we argue that the film’s story of war rapes and suffering did little to raise awareness about war rape victims generally and was interpreted primarily within two discursive frameworks: celebrity and ethno-nationalistic ones that tend to reinforce the status quo in post-war Bosnia and Herzegovina and perpetuate misunderstandings about war crimes. Jolie’s activism, in other words, did not contribute to the reconciliation between different ethnicities in Bosnia and Herzegovina, but has, on the contrary, further fostered polarization that continues to plague the region.
The cultural intermediary in plutocratic times
Authors: Conlin Peter
Published: April 2014

The article draws on Pierre Bourdieu’s concept of the cultural intermediary as a way to think through the combined effect of an intensification of economic inequality with the lack of a viable language of contemporary social class. Through an examination of organizers in art and activist spaces in London in the late 2000s, the article looks at the mixed motivations and contradictory tendencies of these intermediaries. Although fraught with internal conflicts and with the risk of immobilization, a possible basis of an emergent class agency is considered owing to an orientation towards collective practices and an openness to heterogeneous formations stemming from the very lack of conventional class coherence. By directly posing questions of class and inequality, the article makes an intervention into recent research on the cultural intermediary which has been all too silent on these pressing matters.
Intraoperative motive for performing a laparoscopic appendectomy on a postoperative histological proven normal appendix
Authors: Slotboom T. , Hamminga J. T. H. , Hofker H. S. , Heineman E. , Haveman J. W. ,   For the Apple Study Group; Appendicitis and Laparoscopic evaluation
Published: April 2014

Background:

Diagnostic laparoscopy is the ultimate tool to evaluate the appendix. However, the intraoperative evaluation of the appendix is difficult, as the negative appendectomy rate remains 12%–18%. The aim of this study is to analyze the intraoperative motive for performing a laparoscopic appendectomy of an appendix that was proven to be noninflamed after histological examination.

Methods:

In 2008 and 2009, in five hospitals, operation reports of all negative laparoscopic appendectomies were retrospectively analyzed in order to assess the intraoperative motive for removing the appendix.

Results:

A total of 1,465 appendectomies were analyzed with an overall negative appendectomy rate of 9% (132/1,465). In 57% (841/1,465), a laparoscopic appendectomy was performed, with 9% ( n = 75) negative appendectomies. In 51% of the negative appendectomies, the visual assessment of the appendix was decisive in performing the appendectomy. In 33%, the surgeon was in doubt whether the appendix was inflamed or normal. In 4%, the surgeon was aware he removed a healthy appendix, and in 9%, an appendectomy was performed for different reasons.

Conclusion:

In more than half of the microscopic healthy appendices, the surgeon was convinced of the diagnosis appendicitis during surgery. Intraoperative laparoscopic assessment of the appendix can be difficult.
Trauma-Related Critical Care
Authors: Matsushima K. , Khan M. , Frankel H. L.
Published: April 2014

Background:

Post-trauma resuscitation has evolved based on civilian and wartime experiences over the last decade. Similarly, data from large multicenter randomized trials have changed the management of critically ill trauma patients in the intensive care unit.

Methods:

This is a review of the literature focusing on areas relevant to the management of trauma patients in the intensive care unit.

Results:

The following topics are included: (1) ventilator management, (2) trauma sepsis, (3) use of vasopressors in hemorrhage, (4) glucose control, (5) nutrition, and (6) hemodynamic monitoring.

Conclusion:

This review demonstrated the most recent data of trauma-related critical care. Further studies will be needed to settle growing controversies in the management of critically injured patients.
Management of Bleeding Pelvic Fractures
Authors: Marzi I. , Lustenberger T.
Published: April 2014

Introduction:

In patients with severe pelvic fractures, exsanguinating hemorrhage represents the major cause of death within the first 24 h. Despite advances in management, the mortality rate in these patients remains significantly high. Recently, multiple treatment algorithms have been proposed for patients with severe pelvic fractures; however, the optimal modalities in particular in the hemodynamically unstable patient are still a matter of lively debate.This review article focuses on the recent body of knowledge on the different treatment options in patients with severe pelvic fractures and proposes the possible role of each modality in the management of these patients.

Methods:

The MEDLINE database was searched for medical literature addressing the management of severe pelvic fractures with specific attention given to recent, clinically relevant publications.

Results:

Angiography and embolization have emerged as excellent methods for addressing arterial bleeding. Mechanical pelvic stabilization and surgical hemostasis by pelvic packing, on the other hand, may effectively control venous bleeding and bleeding from the fractured bony surface. However, since there is no precise way to determine the major source of bleeding that is responsible for the hemodynamic instability, controversy remains over the timing and optimal order of angiography, mechanical pelvic stabilization, and packing.

Conclusions:

The author’s own approach to these patients includes angiographic embolization as a first-line treatment only in hemodynamically stable patients with an arterial blush seen in the computed tomography scan, indicating acute arterial bleeding. Hemodynamically unstable patients are immediately transferred to the operating room, where pelvic packing and mechanical stabilization of the pelvic ring are carried out. Optionally, a subsequent postoperative angio-embolization is performed if signs of further bleeding remain present.
Methods of modeling slope discontinuities in large size wind turbine blades using absolute nodal coordinate formulation
Authors: Bayoumy AH , Nada AA , Megahed SM
Published: April 2014

This paper describes and evaluates the use of the Absolute Nodal Coordinate Formulation (ANCF) in modeling large size wind turbine blades. Modern blade model can be divided into two regions classified by aerodynamic and structural function. The aerodynamic region, blade-span, is utilizing the thinnest possible airfoil section. On the other hand, the transition between the circular mount and the first airfoil profile is referred as blade-root region, which carries highest loads along the blade. In this investigation, an efficient procedure is developed for mapping NACA airfoil wind-turbine blades into ANCF thin plate models. The procedure concerns a complete wind turbine blade structure, blade-root as well as the blade-span regions with non-uniform and twisted nature. As a result, the slope discontinuity problem arises in both chord-wise and span-wise directions, and consequently presents numerical errors in dynamic simulation. The paper investigates the methods of modeling slope discontinuity resulting from the variations of the cross-sectional layouts across the blade. The developed method is applied for the gradient-deficient thin plate element in order to account for structural discontinuity. In addition, the aerodynamic loads are precisely expressed and the aerodynamic characteristics of such blades are examined with the ANCF and with the classical finite element method. The static and dynamic solutions of different operating conditions are obtained and results are compared with those obtained using ANSYS code. Both the limitations and advantages of using the ANCF in modeling large size wind turbine blades are concluded and discussed. A Dynamics for Design (DFD) procedure is presented with numerical example concerning large-rotation, large deformation wind turbine blades.
Genetic variants of ACE (Insertion/Deletion) and AGT (M268T) genes in patients with diabetes and nephropathy
Authors: Shaikh Rozeena , Shahid Syed M , Mansoor Qaisar , Ismail Muhammad , Azhar Abid
Published: April 2014

Introduction:

Diabetes mellitus (DM) has been a growing epidemic worldwide and poses a major socio-economic challenge. The leading cause of DM death is nephropathy due to end-stage renal disease (ESRD). This study aims to identify the possible association of I/D variants of the ACE gene and M268T (rs699) of the AGT gene of renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS).

Materials and methods:

Study subjects include 115 patients with DM, 110 with diabetic nephropathy (DN) and 110 controls. Fasting blood samples were collected for biochemical analyses and PCR amplification of specific regions of the ACE and AGT genes using primers.

Results:

The distribution of ACE (I/D) II 28.8%, ID 35.6% and DD 35.6% while in DN II 24.5%, ID 41% and DD 34.5%. The AGT (M268T) genotypes were distributed in DM as TT 30.4%, MT 66.9% and MM 2.6% while in DN subjects TT 56.4%, MT 42.7% and MM 0.9%.

Conclusion:

Significant differences were observed in the DD genotype and D allele of the ACE gene and the TT genotype and T allele of AGT genes between diabetic patients with and without nephropathy. The study may conclude that the D allele polymorphism in the ACE gene and the T allele polymorphism in AGT gene may be considered as genetic risk factors for the development of nephropathy in diabetes.
Principles of stakes fairness in sport
Authors: Brown Alexander
Published: April 2014

Fairness in sport is not just about assigning the top prizes to the worthiest competitors. It is also about the way the prize structure itself is organised. For many sporting competitions, although it may be acceptable for winners to receive more than losers, it can seem unfair for winners to take everything and for losers to get nothing. Yet this insight leaves unanswered some difficult questions about what stakes fairness requires and which principles of stakes fairness are appropriate for particular competitions. In this article I specify a range of different principles of stakes fairness (ten in total) that could regulate sporting competitions. I also put forward a theoretical method for pairing up appropriate principles of stakes fairness with given sporting competitions. Specifically, I argue that the underlying rationales for holding sporting competitions can provide useful guides for identifying appropriate principles of stakes fairness. I then seek to clarify and work through some of the implications of this method for a sample of real world controversies over sporting prize structures. I also attempt to refine the method in response to two possible objections from indeterminacy and relativism. Finally, I compare and contrast my conclusions with more general philosophical debates about justice.
Women, Social Media, and Sport
Authors: Creedon Pam
Published: April 2014

Globally, the digital media has played a key role in generating attention, creating controversy and showcasing changes in media coverage of women’s sports. Social media have made sports coverage an interpersonal, intercultural and international public domain. For the news media, however, the values used to cover and construct representation women athletes and women’s sports have not changed. An historic overview of media coverage of women’s sports is compared with today’s digitized, diversified and globalized sports coverage. The Olympics provide a media microcosm to explore gender equity in sports reporting.
The social context of the relationship between glycemic control and depressive symptoms in type 2 diabetes
Authors: Arigo Danielle , Smyth Joshua M , Haggerty Kyle , Raggio Greer A
Published: April 2014

Objective

Individuals with type 2 diabetes and depressive symptoms have poorer diabetes outcomes than those with diabetes alone, and there is need for improved understanding of the relationship between illness markers and depressive symptoms. The role of social support is well established; less is known about social comparisons (i.e. comparisons to others in the social environment), which are common and influential in chronic illness. The present study examined the mediating effects of social comparison and social support on the relationship between glycemic control and depressive symptoms.

Method and outcome measures

Participants with physician-diagnosed type 2 diabetes ( N = 185) completed an electronic survey about recent depressive symptoms, glycemic control (HbA1c), perceived social support, and social comparison.

Results

Controlling for relevant covariates, social comparison and social support showed independent statistical mediation of the relationship between glycemic control and depressive symptoms ( ps < 0.05). Path analysis also showed that including indirect pathways through social comparison and social support reduced the relationship between glycemic control and depressive symptoms to nonsignificance ( β = 0.10, p = 0.14).

Conclusion

These findings demonstrate that social comparison plays a role in the relationship between diabetes regulation and depression, independent of social support. Greater attention to this aspect of the social environment may render better diabetes outcomes.
Engaging new nurses: the role of psychological capital and workplace empowerment
Authors: Boamah Sheila , Laschinger Heather
Published: April 2014

The purpose of this study was to test a hypothesised model linking perceptions of workplace empowerment and psychological capital (PsyCap) to new graduate nurses’ work engagement by integrating theories of empowerment, PsyCap and work engagement. In response to the nursing shortage, efforts are needed to retain nurses by creating empowering work environments that leverage employee PsyCap to foster work engagement. A secondary analysis of data ( n = 205) from a study by Laschinger et al. (2012) was conducted to test the hypothesised model. Hierarchical multiple linear regression analysis was used to test the influence of empowerment and psychological capital on new graduate nurses’ work engagement. Measures of structural empowerment (Conditions of Work Effectiveness Questionnaire-II), PsyCap (Psychological Capital Questionnaire) and work engagement (Utrecht Work Engagement Scale) were used. The hypothesised model was supported. The combined effect of workplace empowerment and PsyCap explained 38% of the variance in new nurses’ work engagement. Workplace empowerment and PsyCap were significant independent predictors of work engagement ( β = 0.45 and 0.36, p < 0.05, respectively). The results suggest that the combination of personal and organisational resources is related to greater work engagement among new graduate nurses.
Put down that phone and talk to me: Understanding the roles of mobile phone norm adherence and similarity in relationships
Authors: Hall Jeffrey A. , Baym Nancy K. , Miltner Kate M.
Published: April 2014

This study uses co-orientation theory to examine the impact of mobile phone use on relational quality across three copresent contexts. It investigates the relationship between perceived similarity, actual similarity, and understanding of mobile phone usage on relationship outcomes, and uses a new measure of mobile relational interference to assess how commitment, satisfaction, and liking are affected by perceptions of relational partners’ mobile phone use. Contrary to popular belief, the results from this study of 69 dyads reveals that, at least within a sample of young Americans, failing to adhere to injunctive (i.e., societal) norms regarding mobile phone usage does not impact relational quality. Rather, results indicate that perceived adherence to participants’ own internal standards—by both the participant, and the participant’s relational partner—and perceived similarity between partners were more influential.
A Critique of MacIntyrean Morality From a Kantian Perspective
Authors: Pathak Krishna Mani
Published: April 2014

This article is a critical examination of MacIntyre’s notion of morality in reference to Kant’s deontological moral theory. The examination shows that MacIntyre (a) criticizes Kant’s moral theory to defend virtue ethics or neo-Aristotelian ethics with a weak notion of morality; (b) favors the idea of local morality, which does not leave any room for moral assessment and reciprocity in an intercultural domain; and (c) fails to provide good arguments for his moral historicism and against Kant’s moral universalism.
A Paradigm Shift that Never Was: Justin Lin's New Structural Economics
Authors: Fine Ben , Van Waeyenberge Elisa
Published: April 2014

This paper assesses the attempt by Justin Lin, former Chief Economist of the World Bank, to posit a new development paradigm through his New Structural Economics, NSE. Lin's attempt to redefine development economics deserves scrutiny for at least two reasons. First, he launched his framework when he was Chief Economist at the Bank. Critical scrutiny of his proposition then allows for continued insights into the complex relationship between scholarship and policy at the Bank. Second, Lin's framework claims a return to a ‘structural’ understanding of development, with a strong industrial policy rhetoric emanating from it. This has been greeted with considerable enthusiasm by erstwhile critics of the Bank. Closer scrutiny of the NSE, nevertheless, reveals the flawed nature of its core theoretical notion of comparative advantage and exposes its strong, if unfortunately conservative, commitment to a flawed and incoherently applied neoclassical economics, accompanied by a persistently narrow policy scope.
Premalignant PTEN-deficient thymocytes activate microRNAs miR-146a and miR-146b as a cellular defense against malignant transformation
Authors: Burger Megan L. , Xue Ling , Sun Yuefang , Kang Chulho , Winoto Astar
Published: April 2014

Key Points

miR-146a and miR-146b are upregulated during premalignancy in the thymus of T cell–specific PTEN-deficient mice. Transgenic expression of mir-146a/b delays PTEN-deficient lymphomagenesis through repression of TCR signals critical for c-myc activation.
A gain-of-function screen to identify genes that reduce lifespan in the adult of Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Nakayama Minoru , Ishibashi Tomoki , Ishikawa Hiroyuki O , Sato Hiroyasu , Usui Takao , Okuda Takayuki , Yashiro Hiroyuki , Ishikawa Hironori , Taikou Yoshie , Minami Asako , Kato Kengo , Taki Masataka , Aigaki Toshiro , Gunji Wataru , Ohtsu Masaya , Murakami Yasufumi , Tanuma Sei-ichi , Tsuboi Alice , Adachi Mai , Kuroda Junpei , Sasamura Takeshi , Yamakawa Tomoko , Matsuno Kenji
Published: April 2014

Background

Several lines of evidence associate misregulated genetic expression with risk factors for diabetes, Alzheimer’s, and other diseases that sporadically develop in healthy adults with no background of hereditary disorders. Thus, we are interested in genes that may be expressed normally through parts of an individual’s life, but can cause physiological defects and disease when misexpressed in adulthood.

Results

We attempted to identify these genes in a model organism by arbitrarily misexpressing specific genes in adult Drosophila melanogaster, using 14,133 Gene Search lines. We identified 39 “reduced-lifespan genes” that, when misexpressed in adulthood, shortened the flies’ lifespan to less than 30% of that of control flies. About half of these genes have human orthologs that are known to be involved in human diseases. For about one-fourth of the reduced-lifespan genes, suppressing apoptosis restored the lifespan shortened by their misexpression. We determined the organs responsible for reduced lifespan when these genes were misexpressed specifically in adulthood, and found that while some genes induced reduced lifespan only when misexpressed in specific adult organs, others could induce reduced lifespan when misexpressed in various organs. This finding suggests that tissue-specific dysfunction may be involved in reduced lifespan related to gene misexpression. Gene ontology analysis showed that reduced-lifespan genes are biased toward genes related to development.

Conclusions

We identified 39 genes that, when misexpressed in adulthood, shortened the lifespan of adult flies. Suppressing apoptosis rescued this shortened lifespan for only a subset of the reduced-lifespan genes. The adult tissues in which gene misexpression caused early death differed among the reduced-lifespan genes. These results suggest that the cause of reduced lifespan upon misexpression differed among the genes.
Transcriptome profiling of genes and pathways associated with arsenic toxicity and tolerance in Arabidopsis
Authors: Fu Shih-Feng , Chen Po-Yu , Nguyen Quynh Thi Thuy , Huang Li-Yao , Zeng Guan-Ru , Huang Tsai-Lien , Lin Chung-Yi , Huang Hao-Jen
Published: April 2014

Background

Arsenic (As) is a toxic metalloid found ubiquitously in the environment and widely considered an acute poison and carcinogen. However, the molecular mechanisms of the plant response to As and ensuing tolerance have not been extensively characterized. Here, we report on transcriptional changes with As treatment in twoArabidopsisaccessions, Col-0 and Ws-2.

Results

The root elongation rate was greater for Col-0 than Ws-2 with As exposure. Accumulation of As was lower in the more tolerant accession Col-0 than in Ws-2. We compared the effect of As exposure on genome-wide gene expression in the two accessions by comparative microarray assay. The genes related to heat response and oxidative stresses were common to both accessions, which indicates conserved As stress-associated responses for the two accessions. Most of the specific response genes encoded heat shock proteins, heat shock factors, ubiquitin and aquaporin transporters. Genes coding for ethylene-signalling components were enriched in As-tolerant Col-0 with As exposure. A tolerance-associated gene candidate encoding Leucine-Rich Repeat receptor-like kinase VIII (LRR-RLK VIII) was selected for functional characterization. Genetic loss-of-function analysis of theLRR-RLK VIIIgene revealed altered As sensitivity and the metal accumulation in roots.

Conclusions

Thus, ethylene-related pathways, maintenance of protein structure and LRR-RLK VIII-mediated signalling may be important mechanisms for toxicity and tolerance to As in the species. Here, we provide a comprehensive survey of global transcriptional regulation for As and identify stress- and tolerance-associated genes responding to As.
Feasibility and impact of a post–discharge geriatric evaluation and management service for patients from residential care: the Residential Care Intervention Program in the Elderly (RECIPE)
Authors: Harvey Penelope , Storer Meg , Berlowitz David John , Jackson Bruce , Hutchinson Anastasia , Lim Wen Kwang
Published: April 2014

Background

Geriatric evaluation and management has become standard care for community dwelling older adults following an acute admission to hospital. It is unclear whether this approach is beneficial for the frailest older adults living in permanent residential care. This study was undertaken to evaluate (1) the feasibility and consumer satisfaction with a geriatrician-led supported discharge service for older adults living in residential care facilities (RCF) and (2) its impact on the uptake of Advanced Care Planning (ACP) and acute health care service utilisation.

Methods

In 2002–4 a randomised controlled trial was conducted in Melbourne, Australia comparing the geriatrician–led outreach service to usual care for RCF residents. Patients were recruited during their acute hospital stay and followed up at the RCF for six months. The intervention group received a post-discharge home visit within 96 hours, at which a comprehensive geriatric assessment was performed and a care plan developed. Participants and their families were also offered further meetings to discuss ACPs and document Advanced Directives (AD). Additional reviews were made available for assessment and management of intercurrent illness within the RCF. Consumer satisfaction was surveyed using a postal questionnaire.

Results

The study included 116 participants (57 intervention and 59 controls) with comparable baseline characteristics. The service was well received by consumers demonstrated by higher satisfaction with care in the intervention group compared to controls (95% versus 58%, p = 0.006).

AD were completed by 67% of participants/proxy decision makers in the intervention group compared to 13% of RCF residents prior to service commencement. At six months there was a significant reduction in outpatient visits (intervention 21 (37%) versus controls 45 (76%), (p < 0.001), but no difference in readmissions rates (39% intervention versus 34% control, p = 0.6). There was a trend towards reduced hospital bed-day utilisation (intervention 271 versus controls 372 days).

Conclusion

It is feasible to provide a supported discharge service that includes geriatrician assessment and care planning within a RCF. By expanding the service there is the potential for acute health care cost savings by decreasing the demand for outpatient consultation and further reducing acute care bed-days.
Common sequence variants in the LOXL1gene in pigment dispersion syndrome and pigmentary glaucoma
Authors: Giardina Emiliano , Oddone Francesco , Lepre Tiziana , Centofanti Marco , Peconi Cristina , Tanga Lucia , Quaranta Luciano , Frezzotti Paolo , Novelli Giuseppe , Manni Gianluca
Published: April 2014

Background

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the LOXL1 gene are associated with pseudoesfoliation syndrome and pseudoesfoliation glaucoma. The aim of our study is to investigate a potential involvement of LOXL1 gene in the pathogenesis of pigment dispersion syndrome (PDS) and pigmentary glaucoma (PG).

Methods

A cohort of Caucasian origin of 84 unrelated and clinically well-characterised patients with PDS/PG and 200 control subjects were included in the study. Genomic DNA from whole blood was extracted and the coding and regulatory regions of LOXL1 gene were risequenced in both patients and controls to identify unknown sequence variations. Genotype and haplotype analysis were performed with UNPHASED software. The expression levels of LOXL1 were determined on c-DNA from peripheral blood lymphocytes by quantitative real-time RT-PCR.

Results

A significant allele association was detected for SNP rs2304722 within the fifth intron of LOXL1 (Odds ratio (OR = 2.43, p-value = 3,05e-2). Haplotype analysis revealed the existence of risk and protective haplotypes associated with PG-PDS (OR = 3.35; p-value = 1.00e-5 and OR = 3.35; p-value = 1.00e-4, respectively). Expression analysis suggests that associated haplotypes can regulate the expression level LOXL1.

Conclusions

Haplotypes of LOXL1 are associated with PG-PDS independently from rs1048661, leading to a differential expression of the transcript.
Autoinhibition of the Ron receptor tyrosine kinase by the juxtamembrane domain
Authors: Wang Xin , Yennawar Neela , Hankey Pamela A
Published: April 2014

Background

The Ron receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) has been implicated in the progression of a number of carcinomas, thus understanding the regulatory mechanisms governing its activity is of potential therapeutic significance. A critical role for the juxtamembrane domain in regulating RTK activity is emerging, however the mechanism by which this regulation occurs varies considerably from receptor to receptor.

Results

Unlike other RTKs described to date, tyrosines in the juxtamembrane domain of Ron are inconsequential for receptor activation. Rather, we have identified an acidic region in the juxtamembrane domain of Ron that plays a central role in promoting receptor autoinhibition. Furthermore, our studies demonstrate that phosphorylation of Y1198 in the kinase domain promotes Ron activation, likely by relieving the inhibitory constraints imposed by the juxtamembrane domain.

Conclusions

Taken together, our experimental data and molecular modeling provide a better understanding of the mechanisms governing Ron activation, which will lay the groundwork for the development of novel therapeutic approaches for targeting Ron in human malignancies.
The capacity of a class of state-dependent relay channel with orthogonal components and side information at the source and the relay
Authors: Deng Zhixiang , Wang Baoyun , Lang Fei
Published: April 2014

In this paper, a class of state-dependent relay channel with orthogonal channels from the source to the relay and from the source and the relay to the destination is studied. The two orthogonal channels are corrupted by two independent channel states S
R and S
D, respectively, which are known to both the source and the relay. The lower bounds on the capacity are established for the channel either with non-causal channel state information or with causal channel state information. Further, we show that the lower bound with non-causal channel state information is tight if the receiver output Y is a deterministic function of the relay input X
r, the channel state S
D, and one of the source inputs X
D, i.e., Y = f(X
D, X
r, S
D), and the relay output Y
r is restricted to be controlled by only the source input X
R and the channel state S
R, i.e., the channel from the source to the relay is governed by the conditional probability distribution

P

Y
r

|

X
R

,

S
R

. The capacity for this class of semi-deterministic orthogonal relay channel is characterized exactly. The results are then extended to the Gaussian cases, modeling the channel states as additive Gaussian interferences. The capacity is characterized for the channel when the channel state information is known non-causally. However, when the channel state information is known causally, the capacity cannot be characterized in general. In this case, the lower bound on the capacity is established, and the capacity is characterized when the power of the relay is sufficiently large. Some numerical examples of the causal state information case are provided to illustrate the impact of the channel state and the role of the relay in information transmission and in cleaning the channel state.
Carotid blood flow, cardiovascular and endocrine responses during head-up tilt in patients with acute cerebrovascular diseases
Authors: Miyake Takahiro , Nakamura Takeshi , Kouda Ken , Uenishi Hiroyasu , Yamamoto Yoshio , Kawasaki Shinji , Ueno Masami , Tajima Fumihiro
Published: April 2014

The purpose of this study was to define common carotid blood flow (CBF), cardiovascular and endocrine responses during head-up tilt (HUT) in patients with acute cerebrovascular diseases (CVD). In 31 male patients with acute CVD (damage of the supratentorial area) and 21 age-matched control male subjects, we measured CBF, mean blood pressure (MBP), heart rate, stroke volume and cardiac output responses before (baseline), during and after HUT. We also measured plasma levels of antidiuretic hormone, adrenaline, noradrenaline, aldosterone and plasma renin activity. After obtaining baseline measurements during 3-minutes horizontal position, HUT was performed for 5 minutes, followed by continuation of recording for 3 more minutes in the horizontal position. During HUT, CBF decreased significantly and equally in both groups. MBP did not change during HUT in both groups. The endocrine responses were also not different between the two groups. The results suggest that damage to the supratentorial area in patients with acute CVD do not alter the CBF, cardiovascular and endocrine responses. In other words, HUT does not predispose patients with acute CVD to serious falls in MBP and CBF at upright posture.
Neural stem cells genetically-modified to express neprilysin reduce pathology in Alzheimer transgenic models
Authors: Blurton-Jones Mathew , Spencer Brian , Michael Sara , Castello Nicholas A , Agazaryan Andranik A , Davis Joy L , Müller Franz-Josef , Loring Jeanne F , Masliah Eliezer , LaFerla Frank M
Published: April 2014

Introduction

Short-term neural stem cell (NSC) transplantation improves cognition in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) transgenic mice by enhancing endogenous synaptic connectivity. However, this approach has no effect on the underlying beta-amyloid (Aβ) and neurofibrillary tangle pathology. Long term efficacy of cell based approaches may therefore require combinatorial approaches.

Methods

To begin to examine this question we genetically-modified NSCs to stably express and secrete the Aβ-degrading enzyme, neprilysin (sNEP). Next, we studied the effects of sNEP expression in vitro by quantifying Aβ-degrading activity, NSC multipotency markers, and Aβ-induced toxicity. To determine whether sNEP-expressing NSCs can also modulate AD-pathogenesis in vivo, control-modified and sNEP-NSCs were transplanted unilaterally into the hippocampus of two independent and well characterized transgenic models of AD: 3xTg-AD and Thy1-APP mice. After three months, stem cell engraftment, neprilysin expression, and AD pathology were examined.

Results

Our findings reveal that stem cell-mediated delivery of NEP provides marked and significant reductions in Aβ pathology and increases synaptic density in both 3xTg-AD and Thy1-APP transgenic mice. Remarkably, Aβ plaque loads are reduced not only in the hippocampus and subiculum adjacent to engrafted NSCs, but also within the amygdala and medial septum, areas that receive afferent projections from the engrafted region.

Conclusions

Taken together, our data suggest that genetically-modified NSCs could provide a powerful combinatorial approach to not only enhance synaptic plasticity but to also target and modify underlying Alzheimer’s disease pathology.
What a jerk: prey engulfment revealed by high-rate, super-cranial accelerometry on a harbour seal (Phoca vitulina)
Authors: Ydesen Kristina S. , Wisniewska Danuta M. , Hansen Janni D. , Beedholm Kristian , Johnson Mark , Madsen Peter T.
Published: April 2014

A key component in understanding the ecological role of marine mammal predators is to identify how, where and how much prey they capture in time and space. Satellite and archival tags on pinnipeds generally only provide diving and positioning information, and foraging is often inferred to take place in particular shaped dives or when the animal remains in an area for an extended interval. However, fast movements of the head and jaws may provide reliable feeding cues that can be detected by small low-power accelerometers mounted on the head. To test this notion, a harbour seal (Phoca vitulina) was trained to wear an OpenTag (sampling at 200 or 333 Hz with ±2 or ±16 g clipping) on its head while catching fish prey in front of four underwater digital high-speed video cameras. We show that both raptorial and suction feeding generate jerk (i.e., differential of acceleration) signatures with maximum peak values exceeding 1000 m/s3. We conclude that reliable prey capture cues can be derived from fast-sampling, head mounted accelerometer tags thus holding a promising potential for long-term studies of foraging ecology and field energetics of aquatic predators in their natural environments.
Olfactory learning and memory in the disease vector mosquito,Aedes aegypti
Authors: Vinauger Clément , Lutz Eleanor K. , Riffell Jeffrey A.
Published: April 2014

Olfactory learning in blood-feeding insects, such as mosquitoes, could play an important role in host preference and disease transmission. However, standardized protocols allowing testing of their learning abilities are currently lacking, and how different olfactory stimuli are learned by these insects remains unknown. Using a Pavlovian conditioning paradigm, we trained individuals and groups of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes to associate an odorant conditioned stimulus (CS), with a blood reinforced thermal stimulus (unconditioned stimulus; US). Results showed, first, that mosquitoes could learn the association between L-lactic acid and the US, and retained the association for at least 24 h. Second, the success of olfactory conditioning was dependent upon the CS - some odorants that elicited indifferent responses in naïve mosquitoes, such as L-lactic acid and 1-octen-3-ol, were readily learned, whereas others went from aversive to attractive after training (Z-3-hexen-1-ol) or were untrainable (ß-myrcene and benzyl alcohol). Third, we examined whether mosquitoes’ ability to learn could interfere with the action of the insect repellent DEET. Results demonstrated that pre-exposure and the presence of DEET in the CS reduced the aversive effects of DEET. Last, the nature of the formed memories was explored. Experiments using cold-shock treatments within the first 6 h post-training (for testing anaesthesia-resistant memory) and a protein synthesis inhibitor (Cycloheximide; to disrupt the formation of long-term memory) both affected mosquitoes’ performances. Together, these results show that learning is a critical component in odour responses in Ae. aegypti, and provide the first evidence for the functional role of different memory traces in these responses.
Wood frog adaptations to overwintering in Alaska: New limits to freezing tolerance
Authors: Larson Don J. , Middle Luke , Vu Henry , Zhang Wenhui , Serianni Anthony S. , Duman John , Barnes Brian M.
Published: April 2014

We investigated the ecological physiology and behavior of free-living wood frogs (Lithobates [Rana] sylvaticus) overwintering in Interior Alaska by tracking animals into natural hibernacula, recording microclimate, and determining frog survival in spring. We measured cryoprotectant (glucose) concentrations and identified the presence of antifreeze glycolipids in tissues from subsamples of naturally freezing frogs. We also recorded behavior of wood frogs preparing to freeze in artificial hibernacula, and tissue glucose concentrations in captive wood frogs frozen in the laboratory to -2.5°C. Wood frogs in natural hibernacula remained frozen for 193±11 consecutive days and experienced average (Oct-May) temperatures of -6.3°C and average minimum temperatures of -14.6±2.8°C (range -8.9 to -18.1°C) with 100% survival (n=18). Mean glucose concentrations were 13-fold higher in muscle, 10-fold higher in heart, and 3.3-fold in liver in naturally freezing compared to laboratory frozen frogs. Glycolipid antifreeze was present in extracts from muscle and internal organs, but not skin, of frozen frogs. Wood frogs in Interior Alaska survive freezing to extreme limits and durations compared to those described in animals collected in southern Canada or the U.S. Midwest. We hypothesize that this enhancement of freeze tolerance in Alaskan wood frogs is due to higher cryoprotectant levels that are produced by repeated freezing and thawing cycles experienced under natural conditions during early fall.
Trpc2 is expressed in two olfactory subsystems, the main and the vomeronasal system of larval Xenopus laevis
Authors: Sansone Alfredo , Syed Adnan S. , Tantalaki Evangelia , Korsching Sigrun I. , Manzini Ivan
Published: April 2014

Complete segregation of the main olfactory epithelium (MOE) and the vomeronasal epithelium is first observed in amphibians. In contrast, teleost fishes possess a single olfactory surface, in which genetic components of the main and vomeronasal olfactory systems are intermingled. The transient receptor potential channel TRPC2, a marker of vomeronasal neurons, is present in the single fish sensory surface, but is already restricted to the vomeronasal epithelium in a terrestrial amphibian, the red-legged salamander (Plethodon shermani). Here we examined the localization of TRPC2 in an aquatic amphibian and cloned the Xenopus laevis trpc2 gene. We show that it is expressed in both the MOE and the vomeronasal epithelium. This is the first description of a broad trpc2 expression in the MOE of a tetrapod. The expression pattern of trpc2 in the MOE is virtually undistinguishable from that of MOE-specific v2rs, indicating that they are co-expressed in the same neuronal subpopulation.
Porphyrin-based Coordination Polymer Composed of Layered Pillarless Two-dimensional Networks
Authors: Makiura Rie , Usui Ryo , Pohl Ehmke , Prassides Kosmas
Published: April 2014

Single crystals of a layer-structured coordination polymer, BNAS-11 [ZnTCPP(H2O)Zn2(H2O)2] (ZnTCPP: 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(4-carboxyphenyl)porphyrinatozinc(II)), were obtained. Tetratopic ZnTCPP molecules are connected through dimer zinc paddle-wheel secondary building units and form a two-dimensional (2D) network with square grids. The layers are stacked electrostatically without the need of binding pillar ligands.
Validation of Numerical Climate Models for the El Niño-Southern Oscillation System
Authors: Privalsky Victor , Yushkov Vladislav
Published: April 2014

Statistical properties of the observed bi-variate ENSO time series (sea surface temperature within the Niño area 3.4 and the Southern Oscillation Index) from 1876 through 2005 are compared with respective properties of 46 CMIP5 models used in the historical experiment, one run per model. The models were found to exaggerate linear trend rates of SST; mean value and variance estimates have a large scatter, most probability densities are Gaussian, the shape of spectra is reproduced correctly in most cases though the spectra of simulated Southern Oscillation have a negative bias. Most estimates of coherence correctly reproduce the behavior of coherence between the observed SST and SOI that exceeds 0.9 at moderate frequencies. The average coherent spectrum of simulated SST is close to the “observed” coherent spectrum and has a negative bias in the SOI case. The results for the time domain require improvement; the frequency domain results are satisfactory.