bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cumulative Effects of Foraging Behavior and Social Dominance on Brain Development in a Facultatively Social Bee (Ceratina australensis)
Authors: Rehan Sandra M. , Bulova Susan J. , O''Donnell Sean
Published: April 2015

In social insects, both task performance (foraging) and dominance are associated with increased brain investment, particularly in the mushroom bodies. Whether and how these factors interact is unknown. Here we present data on a system where task performance and social behavior can be analyzed simultaneously: the small carpenter bee Ceratina australensis. We show that foraging and dominance have separate and combined cumulative effects on mushroom body calyx investment. Female C. australensis nest solitarily and socially in the same populations at the same time. Social colonies comprise two sisters: the social primary, which monopolizes foraging and reproduction, and the social secondary, which is neither a forager nor reproductive but rather remains at the nest as a guard. We compare the brains of solitary females that forage and reproduce but do not engage in social interactions with those of social individuals while controlling for age, reproductive status, and foraging experience. Mushroom body calyx volume was positively correlated with wing wear, a proxy for foraging experience. We also found that, although total brain volume did not vary among reproductive strategies (solitary vs. social nesters), socially dominant primaries had larger mushroom body calyx volumes (corrected for both brain and body size variation) than solitary females; socially subordinate secondaries (that are neither dominant nor foragers) had the least-developed mushroom body calyces. These data demonstrate that sociality itself does not explain mushroom body volume; however, achieving and maintaining dominance status in a group was associated with mushroom body calyx enlargement. Dominance and foraging effects were cumulative; dominant social primary foragers had larger mushroom body volumes than solitary foragers, and solitary foragers had larger mushroom body volumes than nonforaging social secondary guards. This is the first evidence for cumulative effects on brain development by dominance and task performance.
Cystic Fibrosis from Laboratory to Bedside: The Role of A20 in NF-κB-Mediated Inflammation
Authors: Bannon Aidan , Zhang Shu-Dong , Schock Bettina C. , Ennis Madeleine
Published: April 2015

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a lifelong, inflammatory multi-organ disease and the most common lethal, genetic condition in Caucasian populations, with a median survival rate of 41.5 years. Pulmonary disease, characterized by infective exacerbations, bronchiectasis and increasing airway insufficiency is the most serious manifestation of this disease process, currently responsible for over 80% of CF deaths. Chronic dysregulation of the innate immune and host inflammatory response has been proposed as a mechanism central to this genetic condition, primarily driven by the nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) pathway. Chronic activation of this transcription factor complex leads to the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and mediators such as IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α. A20 has been described as a central and inducible negative regulator of NF-κB. This intracellular molecule negatively regulates NF-κB-driven pro-inflammatory signalling upon toll-like receptor activation at the level of TRAF6 activation. Silencing of A20 increases cellular levels of p65 and induces a pro-inflammatory state. We have previously shown that A20 expression positively correlates with lung function (FEV1%) in CF. Despite improvement in survival rates in recent years, advancements in available therapies have been incremental. We demonstrate that the experimental use of naturally occurring plant diterpenes such as gibberellin on lipopolysaccharide-stimulated cell lines reduces IL-8 release in an A20-dependent manner. We discuss how the use of a novel bio-informatics gene expression connectivity-mapping technique to identify small molecule compounds that similarly mimic the action of A20 may lead to the development of new therapeutic approaches capable of reducing chronic airway inflammation in CF.
HPSE2 Mutations in Urofacial Syndrome, Non-Neurogenic Neurogenic Bladder and Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction
Authors: Bulum Burcu , Özçakar Z. Birsin , Duman Duygu , Cengiz Filiz Başak , Kavaz Aslı , Burgu Berk , Baskın Esra , Çakar Nilgün , Soygür Tarkan , Ekim Mesiha , Tekin Mustafa , Yalçınkaya Fatoş
Published: April 2015

Background: Urofacial syndrome (UFS) is characterised by congenital bladder dysfunction accompanied by a characteristic abnormal grimace upon smiling and crying. In recent years, biallelic mutations of HPSE2 and LRIG2 have been reported in UFS patients. Non-neurogenic neurogenic bladder (NNNB) has a bladder identical to UFS without typical facial features. The aim of this study was to analyse HPSE2 mutations in patients with UFS and NNNB or severe lower urinary tract dysfunction (LUTD) without abnormal facial expression. Methods: Patients with UFS, NNNB and severe LUTD were enrolled in the study. We examined a total of 35 patients from 33 families. There were seven UFS patients from five different families, 21 patients with NNNB and seven with LUTD. HPSE2 gene mutation analysis was performed using the polymerase chain reaction protocol followed by Sanger sequencing in these patients. Results: A twin pair with UFS was found to be homozygous for c.457C>T (p.Arg153*) mutation. No other pathogenetic variant was detected. Conclusion:HPSE2 mutations were found in one UFS family but not detected in patients with NNNB and severe LUTD. Considering the increasingly recognised cases of NNNB that were diagnosed in early childhood period, genetic factors appear to be responsible. Thus, further genetic studies are needed to discover novel associated gene variants in these bladder anomalies.
Building a Prediction Model for Vacuum-Assisted Operative Vaginal Delivery Risk
Authors: Fruscalzo Arrigo , Londero Ambrogio Pietro , Calcagno Angelo , Cipriani Irene , Bertozzi Serena , Marchesoni Diego , Driul Lorenza
Published: April 2015

Aim: The objective of this study was to evaluate the risk factors for operative vaginal delivery and to propose a new nomogram for predicting the risk. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the data of 1,955 pregnancies that occurred in our clinic between the years 2007 and 2008. Included were singleton pregnancies with labor diagnosis after the 36th gestational week in which spontaneous or operative vaginal deliveries occurred. In this study, the operative delivery was carried out exclusively by vacuum extraction. Results: After univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression stepwise model selection, maternal age, nulliparity, medically assisted procreation, gestational age at birth, male fetus, epidural analgesia and medical induction of labor were found to be the most predictive variables for operative vaginal delivery. Considering these factors we propose a new nomogram for an objectified determination of the risk of operative vaginal delivery. Conclusions: The new nomogram we propose could be an important tool for an objectified determination of the risk of operative vaginal delivery by vacuum extraction in individualized patient counseling.
Total Laparoscopic Nerve-Sparing Radical Parametrectomy for Occult Early-Stage Cervical Cancer: Surgical Technique and Postoperative Bladder Function
Authors: Kanao Hiroyuki , Fujiwara Kazuko , Ebisawa Keiko , Hada Tomonori , Ota Yoshiaki , Andou Masaaki
Published: April 2015

Surgery and radiotherapy are both regarded as standard treatments for occult cervical cancers. Surgery has several theoretical advantages over radiotherapy; therefore, such cancers, especially in their early stages, are commonly treated with radical parametrectomy. However, postoperative bladder dysfunction is an important potential complication of this type of surgery. This is a case report of total laparoscopic nerve-sparing radical parametrectomy for an occult cervical cancer using our original surgical concept based on detailed anatomical investigation of pelvic nerve networks in a fresh cadaver. We evaluated the validity of our nerve-sparing technique by assessing postoperative bladder function using urodynamic studies.
Significance of Velamentous Cord Insertion for Twin-Twin Transfusion Syndrome
Authors: Yonetani Naoto , Ishii Keisuke , Kawamura Hiroshi , Mabuchi Aki , Hayashi Shusaku , Mitsuda Nobuaki
Published: April 2015

Introduction: The objective of this study was to evaluate the actual association between velamentous cord insertion (VCI) and twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) in the native cohort concerning the natural history of monochorionic twin pregnancies. Material and Methods: All monochorionic diamniotic twin pregnancies who received prenatal care from <16 weeks of gestation until delivery at our center between 2004 and 2013 were included in this retrospective cohort study. Macroscopically defined cord insertion site was recorded as velamentous, marginal, or central. The effects of VCI on TTTS and a composite of adverse outcomes, including abortion, death, and neurological morbidities ≤28 days of age, were evaluated with a multiple logistic regression model. Results: A total of 357 monochorionic diamniotic twin pregnancies were analyzed. VCI in both twins was noted in 2.5% of cases and VCI in at least one twin was noted in 22.1% of cases. The incidence of TTTS was 8.4%; the incidence of a composite of adverse outcomes in at least one twin was 9.8%. There was no correlation between VCI and TTTS as well as a composite of adverse outcomes. Discussion: VCI in monochorionic twin pregnancies was not a risk factor for TTTS and severe perinatal morbidities.
Comprehensive Analyses of White-Handed Gibbon Chromosomes Enables Access to 92 Evolutionary Conserved Breakpoints Compared to the Human Genome
Authors: Weise Anja , Kosyakova Nadezda , Voigt Martin , Aust Nadine , Mrasek Kristin , Löhmer Sharon , Rubtsov Nikolai , Karamysheva Tatyana V. , Trifonov Vladimir A. , Hardekopf David , Jančušková Tereza , Pekova Sona , Wilhelm Kathleen , Liehr Thomas , Fan Xiaobo
Published: April 2015

Gibbon species (Hylobatidae) impress with an unusually high number of numerical and structural chromosomal changes within the family itself as well as compared to other Hominoidea including humans. In former studies applying molecular cytogenetic methods, 86 evolutionary conserved breakpoints (ECBs) were reported in the white-handed gibbon (Hylobates lar, HLA) with respect to the human genome. To analyze those ECBs in more detail and also to achieve a better understanding of the fast karyotype evolution in Hylobatidae, molecular data for these regions are indispensably necessary. In the present study, we obtained whole chromosome-specific probes by microdissection of all 21 HLA autosomes and prepared them for aCGH. Locus-specific DNA probes were also used for further molecular cytogenetic characterization of selected regions. Thus, we could map 6 yet unreported ECBs in HLA with respect to the human genome. Additionally, in 26 of the 86 previously reported ECBs, the present approach enabled a more precise breakpoint mapping. Interestingly, a preferred localization of ECBs within segmental duplications, copy number variant regions, and fragile sites was observed.
Toward an Improved Multimodel ENSO Prediction
Authors: Barnston Anthony G. , Tippett Michael K. , van den Dool Huug M. , Unger David A.
Published: April 2015

Since 2002, the International Research Institute for Climate and Society, later in partnership with the Climate Prediction Center, has issued an ENSO prediction product informally called the ENSO prediction plume. Here, measures to improve the reliability and usability of this product are investigated, including bias and amplitude corrections, the multimodel ensembling method, formulation of a probability distribution, and the format of the issued product. Analyses using a subset of the current set of plume models demonstrate the necessity to correct individual models for mean bias and, less urgent, also for amplitude bias, before combining their predictions. The individual ensemble members of all models are weighted equally in combining them to form a multimodel ensemble mean forecast, because apparent model skill differences, when not extreme, are indistinguishable from sampling error when based on a sample of 30 cases or less. This option results in models with larger ensemble numbers being weighted relatively more heavily. Last, a decision is made to use the historical hindcast skill to determine the forecast uncertainty distribution rather than the models’ ensemble spreads, as the spreads may not always reproduce the skill-based uncertainty closely enough to create a probabilistically reliable uncertainty distribution. Thus, the individual model ensemble members are used only for forming the models’ ensemble means and the multimodel forecast mean. In other situations, the multimodel member spread may be used directly. The study also leads to some new formats in which to more effectively show both the mean ENSO prediction and its probability distribution.
Terrestrial Aridity and Its Response to Greenhouse Warming across CMIP5 Climate Models
Authors: Scheff Jacob , Frierson Dargan M. W.
Published: April 2015

The aridity of a terrestrial climate is often quantified using the dimensionless ratio of annual precipitation (P) to annual potential evapotranspiration (PET). In this study, the climatological patterns and greenhouse warming responses of terrestrial P, Penman–Monteith PET, and are compared among 16 modern global climate models. The large-scale climatological values and implied biome types often disagree widely among models, with large systematic differences from observational estimates. In addition, the PET climatologies often differ by several tens of percent when computed using monthly versus 3-hourly inputs.

With greenhouse warming, land P does not systematically increase or decrease, except at high latitudes. Therefore, because of moderate, ubiquitous PET increases, decreases (drying) are much more widespread than increases (wetting) in the tropics, subtropics, and midlatitudes in most models, confirming and expanding on earlier findings. The PET increases are also somewhat sensitive to the time resolution of the inputs, although not as systematically as for the PET climatologies.

The changes in the balance between P and PET are also quantified using an alternative aridity index, the ratio , which has a one-to-one but nonlinear correspondence with . It is argued that the magnitudes of changes are more uniformly relevant than the magnitudes of changes, which tend to be much higher in wetter regions. The ratio and its changes are also found to be excellent statistical predictors of the land surface evaporative fraction and its changes.
The Impact of the East Asian Subtropical Jet and Polar Front Jet on the Frequency of Spring Persistent Rainfall over Southern China in 1997–2011
Authors: Huang Dan-Qing , Zhu Jian , Zhang Yao-Cun , Wang Jun , Kuang Xue-Yuan
Published: April 2015

Spring persistent rainfall (SPR) over southern China has great impact on its society and economics. A remarkable feature of the SPR is high frequency. However, SPR frequency obviously decreases over the period of 1997–2011. In this study, the possible causes have been investigated from the perspective of the individual and concurrent effects of the East Asian subtropical jet (EASJ) and East Asian polar front jet (EAPJ). A close relationship is detected between SPR frequency and EASJ intensity (but not EAPJ intensity). Associated with strong EASJ, abundant water vapor is transported to southern China by the southwesterly flow, which may trigger the SPR. Additionally, frequencies of both strong EASJ and weak EAPJ events are positively correlated with SPR frequency. Further investigation of the concurrent effect indicates a significant positive correlation between the frequencies of SPR and the strong EASJ–weak EAPJ configuration. Associated with this configuration, southwesterly flow strengthens in the lower troposphere, while northerly wind weakens in the upper troposphere. This provides a dynamic and moist condition, as enhanced ascending motion and intensified convergence of abundant water vapor over southern China, which favors the SPR. All analyses suggest that the EASJ may play a dominant role in the SPR occurrence and that the EAPJ may play a modulation role. Finally, a possible mechanism maintaining the strong EASJ–weak EAPJ configuration is proposed. Significant cooling over the northeastern Tibetan Plateau may induce a cyclone anomaly in the upper troposphere, which could result in an accelerating EASJ and a decelerating EAPJ.
Pay Equity in Government: Analyzing Determinants of Gender Pay Disparity in the U.S. Federal Government
Authors: Choi Sungjoo
Published: April 2015

In this study, I investigate the factors contributing to gender-based pay disparity in the federal government. The data from a Merit Principles Survey and from central personnel files are analyzed by the ordinary least squares (OLS) regression method. I show that gender and minority status are significantly and negatively associated with salary. However, the positive relationships between education and organizational tenure and salary are stronger than those between gender and minority status, and salary. This suggests that pay grade, performance, and seniority may now be more important determinants of salary than gender and minority status. Agency function is also shown to have a critical influence on the salary level of employees: redistributive agencies that employ more women in traditionally male-dominated occupational categories, or ranks, tend to pay less than other agencies.
Microstructures and properties of Mg alloy/DP600 steel dissimilar refill friction stir spot welds
Authors: Chen Y. , Chen J. , Shalchi Amirkhiz B. , Worswick M. J. , Gerlich A. P.
Published: April 2015

Joining of ZEK100 Mg alloy and Zn coated DP600 steel sheets is studied using refill friction stir spot welding (RFSSW). The RFSSW process involves a tool with independently moving sleeve and pin components, which rotate at a constant speed and penetrate into only the top sheet. Welds could be achieved, which exceeded 4.7 kN shear strength, using the following process parameters: 1800 rev min− 1 tool speed, 3.0 s welding time and 1.5 mm of penetration into the upper ZEK100 sheet. Scanning electron (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) are used to characterise the Mg/steel interface. It is revealed that a continuous layer of FeAl2 particles accommodate bonding of the sheets, which appears to have originated from the galvanised coating on the DP600.
Structure design and photocatalytic properties of one-dimensional SnO2-TiO2 composites
Authors: Chen Yuan , Liu Bitao , Chen Junfang , Tian Liangliang , Huang Lei , Tu Mingjing , Tan Shuai
Published: April 2015

One-dimensional SnO2-TiO2 composites were prepared via emulsion electrospinning process. The obtained samples were characterized by a series of devices. The results showed that the porous core-shell SnO2-TiO2 photocatalyst exhibited enhanced photocatalytic activity on the degradation of methyl orange (MO). It should be ascribed to the novel structure, which could separate the electrons and holes effectively.
High-frequency oscillation ventilation for hypercapnic failure of conventional ventilation in pulmonary acute respiratory distress syndrome
Authors: Friesecke Sigrun , Stecher Stephanie-Susanne , Abel Peter
Published: April 2015

Introduction

High-frequency oscillation ventilation (HFOV) is regarded as particularly lung protective. Recently, HFOV has been shown to be not beneficial for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) patients in general. Due to its special physical effects, it could be beneficial, however, in inhomogeneous ARDS. This study evaluates the effect of HFOV on PaCO2 removal in hypercapnic patients with ARDS of pulmonary origin.

Methods

Between October 2010 and June 2014 patients with ARDS of pulmonary origin with PaO2/FiO2 ratio >60 mmHg, but respiratory acidosis (pH <7.26) under optimized protective ventilation were switched to HFOV, using moderate airway pressure (adopting the mean airway pressure of the prior ventilation). Data from these patients were analyzed retrospectively; PaCO2 and pH before, 1 h and 24 h after the start of HFOV were compared.

Results

Twenty-six patients with PaO2/FiO2 ratio 139 ± 49 and respiratory acidosis (PaCO2 68 ± 12 mmHg) were put on HFOV after 17 ± 22 h of conventional ventilation. Mean airway pressure was 19 cm H2O (15 to 28). PaCO2 decreased significantly: after 1 hour the mean difference was −14 ± 10 mmHg; P <0.01 and after 24 hours −17 ± 12 mmHg; P <0.01; n = 24. CO2 clearance improved in all but two patients; in those, extracorporeal lung support was initiated. Oxygenation remained unchanged after 1 h and slightly increased after 24 h. No complications related to HFOV were observed. Twenty-two patients improved and could be weaned from HFOV. Twenty patients (77%) were alive on day 30.

Conclusions

HFOV could be a useful alternative in patients with ARDS of pulmonary origin with hypercapnic failure of lung-protective conventional ventilation.
Transcriptomic landscape of lncRNAs in inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Mirza Aashiq H , Berthelsen Claus HB , Seemann Stefan E , Pan Xiaoyong , Frederiksen Klaus S , Vilien Mogens , Gorodkin Jan , Pociot Flemming
Published: April 2015

Background

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a complex multi-factorial inflammatory disease with Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) being the two most common forms. A number of transcriptional profiling studies have provided compelling evidence that describe the role of protein-coding genes and microRNAs in modulating the immune responses in IBD.

Methods

In the present study, we performed a genome-wide transcriptome profiling of lncRNAs and protein-coding genes in 96 colon pinch biopsies (inflamed and non-inflamed) extracted from multiple colonic locations from 45 patients (CD = 13, UC = 20, controls = 12) using an expression microarray platform.

Results

In our study, we identified widespread dysregulation of lncRNAs and protein-coding genes in both inflamed and non-inflamed CD and UC compared to the healthy controls. In cases of inflamed CD and UC, we identified 438 and 745 differentially expressed lncRNAs, respectively, while in cases of the non-inflamed CD and UC, we identified 12 and 19 differentially expressed lncRNAs, respectively. We also observed significant enrichment (P-value <0.001, Pearson’s Chi-squared test) for 96 differentially expressed lncRNAs and 154 protein-coding genes within the IBD susceptibility loci. Furthermore, we found strong positive expression correlations for the intersecting and cis-neighboring differentially expressed IBD loci-associated lncRNA-protein-coding gene pairs. The functional annotation analysis of differentially expressed genes revealed their involvement in the immune response, pro-inflammatory cytokine activity and MHC protein complex.

Conclusions

The lncRNA expression profiling in both inflamed and non-inflamed CD and UC successfully stratified IBD patients from the healthy controls. Taken together, the identified lncRNA transcriptional signature along with clinically relevant parameters suggest their potential as biomarkers in IBD.
ApproxMap - a method for mapping blank nodes in RDF datasets
Authors: Almeida Monte-Mor Juliano de , da Cunha Adilson Marques
Published: April 2015

Background

Versioning has proven to be essential in areas like software development or data and knowledge management. For systems or applications making use of documents formatted according to the Resource Description Framework (RDF) standard, it is difficult to calculate the difference between two versions, owing to the presence of blank nodes, also known as bnodes in RDF graphs. These are anonymous nodes that can assume different identifiers between versions. In this case, the challenge lies in finding a mapping between the sets of blank nodes in the two versions while minimizing the operations needed to convert one version into another.

Methods

Within this context, we propose an algorithm, named ApproxMap, for mapping bnodes based on extended concepts of rough set theory, which provides a way to measure the proximity of bnodes and map them with closer approximations. Our heuristic method considers various strategies for reducing both the number of comparisons between blank nodes and the delta between the compared versions. The proposed algorithm has a worst-case time complexity of O(n
2).

Results

ApproxMap showed satisfactory performance in our groups of experiments, as the algorithm that obtained solutions closest to the optimal values. This algorithm succeeded in finding the optimal delta size in 59% of the tests involving optimal values. ApproxMap achieved a delta size smaller than or equal to those of existing algorithms in at least 95% of the tested cases.

Conclusions

The results show that the proposed algorithm can be successfully applied to versioning RDF documents, such as that produced by software processes with iterative and incremental development. We recommend applying ApproxMap in various situations, particularly those involving similar versions and directly connected bnodes.
Electrostatic power generation using carbon-activated cotton thread on textile
Authors: Kim Baek Hyun , Barnhart Benjamin S , Kwon Jae W
Published: April 2015

This paper describes a novel thread-shaped power generator which can be incorporated into cloth. A carbon-activated cotton thread is utilized for harvesting electrostatic energy from environment using contact and friction electrifications. A core of cotton thread was treated with carbon black nano particles to provide conductivity, and then encapsulated with a thin layer of polydimethylsiloxane for stability and protection. Electrostatic charges have been collected from carbon-activated threads stitched on pieces of textiles by repeated rubbing and tapping with a ploytetrafluoethylene sheet. An average open-circuit voltage of approximately -60.9 V has been generated from the thread-shaped generator with rubbing mode.
Verbal processes in academic language in Spanish: exploring discourse genres within the systemic functional framework
Authors: Ignatieva Natalia , Rodríguez-Vergara Daniel
Published: April 2015

This work is part of the research project “Verbal processes in academic writing in the light of Systemic Functional Grammar” which was developed at the Foreign Language Centre of the National Autonomous University of Mexico. The objective of the project is to analyze verbal transitivity in student writing and research articles from the Systemic Functional Linguistics perspective. Verbal transitivity analyzes locutional and symbolic processing constructions, and the participants involved in these constructions. Our goal in this paper is to present a study of student texts belonging to three genres of the university curriculum (question-answer, essay and review) and of expert texts (research articles) in terms of the verbal process frequency in each genre and each area. Besides, we are going to explore projecting characteristics of our corpus in general, and of the ten most frequent verbs in this corpus, in particular. The results indicate that there is an important variation among the verbal process frequencies and their projecting characteristics in different genres and areas under analysis.
2D sequential inversion of total magnitude and total magnetic anomaly data affected by remanent magnetization
Authors: Liu Shuang , Hu Xiangyun , Xi Yufei , Liu Tianyou , Xu Shan
Published: April 2015

Remanent magnetization complicates the inversion of magnetic data due to altering the strength and direction of the magnetization vector. To deal with the problem, we have developed a 2D sequential inversion method of successively recovering the distributions of magnetization intensity and susceptibility and estimating the magnetization direction. The magnetization intensity distribution is first recovered from the total magnitude anomaly that is frequently transformed from the observed total-field anomaly and is invariant with the magnetization direction. With the recovered magnetization intensity distribution, we forward model the total-field anomalies caused by sources with different magnetization directions and calculate the correlations between the observed and predicted data. The orientation when the correlations attain a peak of maximum is defined as the optimal magnetization direction. Finally, the estimated magnetization direction helps to recover the susceptibility distribution by further inverting for total-field data. This method was tested by use of synthetic data and field data of two iron-ore deposits involving significant remanence, and all tests returned favorable results. The method obtaining the magnetization intensity and susceptibility distributions and an averaged magnetization direction made full use of the amplitude and phase information of magnetic anomalies, and it was more applicable for scenarios with a homogeneous magnetization direction.
Culture and identification of Borrelia spirochetes in human vaginal and seminal secretions
Authors: Middelveen Marianne J. , Burke Jennie , Sapi Eva , Bandoski Cheryl , Filush Katherine R. , Wang Yean , Franco Agustin , Timmaraju Arun , Schlinger Hilary A. , Mayne Peter J. , Stricker Raphael B.
Published: April 2015

Background:Recent reports indicate that more than 300,000 cases of Lyme disease are diagnosed yearly in the USA. Preliminary clinical, epidemiological and immunological studies suggest that infection with the Lyme disease spirocheteBorrelia burgdorferi(Bb) could be transferred from person to person via intimate human contact without a tick vector. Failure to detect viableBorreliaspirochetes in vaginal and seminal secretions would argue against this hypothesis.

Methods:Patients with and without a history of Lyme disease were selected for the study after informed consent was obtained. Serological testing for Bb was performed on all subjects. Semen or vaginal secretions were inoculated into BSK-H medium and cultured for four weeks. Examination of genital cultures and culture concentrates for the presence of spirochetes was performed using light and darkfield microscopy, and spirochete concentrates were subjected to Dieterle silver staining, anti-Bb immunohistochemical staining, molecular hybridization and PCR analysis for further characterization. Immunohistochemical and molecular testing was performed in three independent laboratories in a blinded fashion. Positive and negative controls were included in all experiments.

Results:Control subjects who were asymptomatic and seronegative for Bb had no detectable spirochetes in genital secretions by PCR analysis. In contrast, spirochetes were observed in cultures of genital secretions from 11 of 13 subjects diagnosed with Lyme disease, and motile spirochetes were detected in genital culture concentrates from 12 of 13 Lyme disease patients using light and darkfield microscopy. Morphological features of spirochetes were confirmed by Dieterle silver staining and immunohistochemical staining of culture concentrates. Molecular hybridization and PCR testing confirmed that the spirochetes isolated from semen and vaginal secretions were strains ofBorrelia, and all cultures were negative for treponemal spirochetes. PCR sequencing of cultured spirochetes from three couples having unprotected sex indicated that two couples had identical strains of Bbsensu strictoin their semen and vaginal secretions, while the third couple had identical strains ofB. hermsiidetected in their genital secretions.

Conclusions:The culture of viableBorreliaspirochetes in genital secretions suggests that Lyme disease could be transmitted by intimate contact from person to person. Further studies are needed to evaluate this hypothesis.
Evidence-based management of post-craniotomy pain
Authors: Beardow Zoe , Elliot Stuart
Published: April 2015

Pain following craniotomy is a disputed phenomenon. This article will aim to explore and examine the contemporary approaches to post-craniotomy pain, the knowledge surrounding its physiology and pain-reduction strategies. How post-craniotomy pain is assessed across neurosurgical centres will be explored and its limitations identified. Both existing and novel pain therapies will be examined via the comparison of scientific research articles, with an aim to identify effective and safe methods of alleviating or preventing post-craniotomy pain. The overall findings of the article will be summarised and recommendations made for clinical use or further investigation.
Parkinson's is complex: considering earlier use of advanced, non-oral therapies
Authors: Mills Jane , Martin Anne
Published: April 2015

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a complex neurological disorder and there are approximately 127 000 people living with PD in the UK. Once thought to be a disorder of physical movement, it is now known to be a multiple system disorder with a wide array of symptoms. From the point of diagnosis, effective management and support strategies can be complex and challenging for the health professional. Accepting this, early referral to a PD specialist is a vital part of maintaining quality of life for the person with PD. Early referral to a specialist centre should facilitate access to a full range of PD therapies, including more advanced, non-oral treatments. Advanced therapies for people with fluctuating PD can yield significant benefit when oral therapies have lost their efficacy or if they exacerbate motor fluctuations, such as dyskinesia. Most people with PD go on to develop motor fluctuations after a number of years of oral therapy, the onset of which can be any time from 6 months to 2 years from the start of therapy. In light of this, more advanced therapies should be made available to patients based on their quality of life and future expectations, irrespective of the length of time the person has lived with PD.
Anticoagulants for stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation
Authors: Hargroves David , Ward Louise
Published: April 2015

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is one of the most important and modifiable risk factors for ischaemic stroke. Patients who suffer an AF-associated stroke have a high mortality and morbidity. There are now alternative agents available that reduce ischaemic stroke in patients who suffer with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) and have been shown to all have significantly fewer safety concerns with regard to intracerebral haemorrhage. Despite this, there are still many patients who are not receiving effective treatment. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidance, updated in 2014, recommends that all patients with NVAF require a personalised package of care. This aims to support the patient in making an informed choice regarding their treatment regimen through the provision of individualised information and intervention regarding their AF diagnosis and treatment plan. Providing a holistic approach to AF management is crucial in stroke prevention. This article discusses how to balance established clinical requirements with developing practice related to newer treatment interventions, while maintaining the needs of the individual patient.
Dentures and systemic health: an overview
Authors: Wynne Leanna
Published: April 2015

The aim of this article is to provide a brief guide to dentures and oral and general health. It discusses the importance of cleaning dentures in relation to denture stomatitis, and what can be done to prevent and/or treat it
Reflection. Part 3: reflective practice and reflective teaching
Authors: Fowler John
Published: April 2015

This series is exploring reflective practice. The first two articles explored what reflection is and used the analogies of mirrors and microscopes to show the breadth and depth that reflection can achieve. This article examines how reflection can enhance your clinical practice and your teaching
Anaesthesia of the head trauma patient
Authors: McMillan Sam
Published: April 2015

Head trauma or traumatic brain injury is commonly encountered following polytrauma, such as road traffic collisions and high rise falls, and it presents specific anaesthetic challenges. The brain is extremely sensitive to changes in volume which can be the consequence of haemorrhage, oedema or compressive fractures. Understanding the interplay between intracranial factors (such as intracranial pressure and cerebral blood flow), physiological factors (such as blood pressure and ventilatory status) and pharmacological factors is important in order to come up with an appropriate anaesthetic plan. This article outlines some of the theory and evidence that surrounds this complicated subject and suggests some nursing and anaesthetic strategies which can be implemented when managing these complex cases.
The proposed model of pulse code modulation encoder for voice frequencies
Authors: Ahmed Iftekhar Uddin , Masum Abdul Kadar Muhammad , Motakabber S.M.A
Published: April 2015

In this paper, we have developed a hardware-based model of pulse code modulation (PCM) system for voice frequencies. Firstly, we have constructed sample and hold circuit using triggered semiconductor switch (e.g., MOSFET), which is capable of sampling voice signals at 8 kHz according to Nyquist theory. Then an Analogue to Digital Converter (ADC) Integrated Circuit (IC) is introduced to quantize and to digitize of the output of the sample and hold as pulse amplitude modulation (PAM). The converted outputs are 8-bit digital parallel value per sample at a frequency of 8 kHz. Finally, a parallel to serial converter logic is constructed which remains the voice frequency at the accurate time without any delay. The principle feature of this PCM system is that during a final interval of time, it makes a waveform into 8 bit serial code word. An 8-bit shift register with decade counter and flip-flop based logic are providing to this wave-from one after another without any interruptions of the sequences.
BYOB: How Bringing Your Own Shopping Bags Leads to Treating Yourself and the Environment
Authors: Karmarkar Uma R. , Bollinger Bryan
Published: April 2015

As concerns about pollution and climate change become more mainstream, the belief that shopping with reusable grocery bags is an important environmental and socially conscious choice has gained prevalence. In parallel, firms have joined policy makers in using a variety of initiatives to reduce the use of disposable plastic bags. However, little is known about how these initiatives might alter other elements of consumers' in-store behavior. Using scanner panel data from a single California location of a major grocery chain, and controlling for consumer heterogeneity, the authors demonstrate that bringing one's own bags increases purchases of not only environmentally friendly organic foods but also indulgent foods. They use experimental methods to further explore the expression of these effects and to consider the effects of potential moderators, including competing goals and store policies. The findings have implications for decisions related to product pricing, placement and assortment, store layout, and the choice of strategies employed to increase the use of reusable bags.
Better Not Smile at the Price: The Differential Role of Brand Anthropomorphization on Perceived Price Fairness
Authors: Kwak Hyokjin , Puzakova Marina , Rocereto Joseph F.
Published: April 2015

This research shows that brand anthropomorphization increases the perceived unfairness of price increases and the perceived fairness of price decreases. First, analyzing a household panel data set, the authors demonstrate the real-world consequences of brand humanization on consumers' price sensitivity. Second, building on the theoretical premise that fairness judgments depend on consumer focus on the self versus others, they find that brand humanization enhances perceived unfairness of price increases for agency-oriented consumers, who tend to maximize their own self-interests. However, for communion-oriented consumers, who generally consider the needs of others, brand humanization increases perceived fairness of both price increases and decreases. Furthermore, because consumers' focus on the self versus others also depends on relationship goals, the nature of consumer–brand relationships interacts with agency–communion orientation to influence the effect of brand humanization on perceived price fairness. For example, exchange relationship norms reduce the power of brand anthropomorphization to enhance perceived fairness of price changes for communion-oriented consumers. In contrast, the communal nature of these relationships makes both agency- and communion-oriented consumers infer greater positive intent from a humanized (vs. nonhumanized) brand, thus leading to a more positive effect of brand humanization on price fairness for price decreases.
Efficiency of aerobic biodegradation of beet molasses vinasse under non-controlled pH: conditions for betaine removal / Efektywność tlenowej biodegradacji buraczanego wywaru melasowego przy nieregulowanym pH podłoża: określenie warunków usunięcia betainy
Authors: Ryznar-Luty Agnieszka , Cibis Edmund , Krzywonos Małgorzata , Miśkiewicz Tadeusz
Published: April 2015

The aim of the study was to establish such conditions that would provide high-efficiency aerobic biodegradation of beet molasses vinasse with a mixed culture of thermo- and mesophilic bacteria of the genus Bacillus in batch processes without controlling the pH of the medium. Particular consideration was given to the betaine removal (the main pollutant of vinasse), which accounted for as much as 37.6% of total organic carbon. Biodegradation was performed in a stirred tank reactor at 27-63°C with initial pH (pH0) of 6.5 and 8.0. Efficiency of biodegradation was expressed in terms of reduction in SCODsum, which is a sum of SCOD (soluble chemical oxygen demand, i.e. COD determined after suspended solids separation) and theoretical COD of betaine. The values achieved at 27 and 36°C with pH0 = 8.0 exceeded 77.7%, whereas those obtained at 36 and 45°C with pH0 = 6.5 were higher than 83.6%. The high biodegradation efficiency obtained in the four processes is attributable to the betaine removal by the bacterial strains used in the study. Maximal extent of reduction in SCODsum (85.41%), BOD5 (97.91%) and TOC (86.32%), and also the fastest rate of biodegradation (1.17 g O2/l∙h) was achieved at 36°C and pH0 = 8.0
Cyanobacterial blooms in kaliski region water reservoirs and water quality parameters / Zakwity sinicowe w zbiornikach okolic Kalisza a wskaźniki jakości wody
Authors: Szczukocki Dominik , Dałkowski Radosław , Krawczyk Barbara , Juszczak Renata , Kubisiak-Banaszkiewicz Luiza , Olejniczak Barbara , Andrijewski Grzegorz
Published: April 2015

Cyanobacterial blooms occur frequently in artificial lakes, especially in water reservoirs with small retention exposition to anthropopressure. The abundant occurrence of cyanobacteria is accompanied by danger of oxygen imbalance in the aquatic environment and the secretion of toxins that are possible threat to human health and life. Cyanobacterial cell growth depends on a number of physical (temperature, light exposure), chemical (pH, concentration of compounds containing nitrogen and phosphorus) and biological (the presence of other organisms) factors. This paper presents the results of the analysis of water from reservoirs located in southern Wielkopolska region (Pokrzywnica-Szałe, Gołuchów and Piaski-Szczygliczka). Some important physico-chemical parameters of water samples taken from investigated reservoirs as well as cyanotoxins concentration were determined. Furthermore, the cyanobacterial species were identified. There was also an attempt made to correlate the water parameters with the cyanobacteria development and cyanotoxins production. On the basis of the results obtained in the analyzed season, it can be concluded that water from Pokrzywnica and Gołuchów reservoirs was rich in nutrients, hence the intense cyanobacterial blooms and cyanotoxins in water were observed
Application of biosurfactants for heavy netals leaching from immobilized activated sludge / Zastosowanie biosurfaktantów do wymywania metali ciężkich z immobilizowanego osadu czynnego
Authors: Kuczajowska-Zadrożna Małgorzata , Filipkowska Urszula , Jóźwiak Tomasz
Published: April 2015

This study was undertaken to determine the effectiveness of biosurfactants - saponin, tannin and rhamnolipids JBR 515 and 425, for the removal of cadmium, zinc and copper from activated sludge immobilized in 1.5% sodium alginate with 0.5% polyvinyl alcohol. We also established the impact of pH value on biosorbent regeneration with the analyzed biosurfactants and determined the critical micelle concentration (CMC) in solutions containing the biosorbent and biosurfactant and in exact samples with heavy metals. Saponin exhibited the highest effectiveness of metals leaching at pH 1-5, and rhamnosides at pH 5-6. In addition, the study demonstrated a significant effect of the ratio of biosorbent mass to washing agent volume (m/V) on the effectiveness of metals leaching. Of the biosurfactants analyzed, saponin was ca. 100% effective in leaching zinc and copper. The effectiveness of the other biosurfactants was lower and depended on the metal being leached
Laboratory investigation of self-healing properties on geosynthetic clay liners with flaw
Authors: Zhang Guang-Wei , Zhang Hu-Yuan , Wang Jin-Fang , Zhou Lang , Liu Ping , Jiang Xiao
Published: April 2015

The objective of this paper is to evaluate the self- healing properties of a commercially-available geosynthetic clay liner (GCL) using flexible-wall permeameter. The GCLs are produced by the same factory, but the contents of bentonite are different. Also the hydraulic conductivities (HC) of GCLs with no defect are different. In this study, specimens were completely saturated under the backpressure of 20 kPa before the test. Permeability tests were performed on GCL specimens with penetrating flaw and also on specimens permeated with distilled water and CaCl2 solutions. The test results were presented and discussed. Experimental results showed that the GCL with penetrating flaw did not exhibit complete self-healing in the case of flaw. After 120 days, the hydraulic conductivity increased by approximately an order of magnitude. In addition, CaCl2 solutions had a significant influence on the hydraulic conductivity. The research findings might be of interest to researchers and engineers who design liners for landfills and other liquid containment facilities
Influence of increasing nickel content in soil on Miscanthus × giganteus Greef and Deu. Yielding and on the content of nickel in above-ground biomass / Wpływ wzrastającej zawartości niklu w glebie na plonowanie Miscanthus x giganteus Greef i Deu. i zawartość niklu w nadziemnej biomasie
Authors: Bosiacki Maciej
Published: April 2015

The aim of the research conducted in a 2-year pot experiment in an unheated plastic tunnel was to determine suitability of Miscanthus × giganteus for phytoextraction of nickel from soil as well as to assess tolerance of this species on increasing concentrations of this metal in soil. Pots were filled with mineral soil (sand) and a mixture of soil with high-moor peat and three levels of nickel were introduced, i.e. 75 mg dm-3, 150 mg dm-3 and 600 mg dm-3 and the control combinations used substrates without the addition of nickel. Nickel was introduced only in the first year of the experiment in the form of nickel sulfate (NiSO4 · 6H2O). Miscanthus × giganteus accumulated a considerable amount of nickel in biomass. Miscanthus × giganteus growing in contaminated mineral soil turned out to be a species tolerant to high nickel concentrations