bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The indirect effect of somatic complaints on report of posttraumatic psychological symptomatology among Somali refugees
Authors: Bentley Jacob A. , Thoburn John W. , Stewart David G. , Boynton Lorin D.
Published: July 2011

Somali refugees are a growing population of displaced persons at risk for considerable traumatic exposure and its subsequent psychological symptomatology. Two hypotheses were proposed to evaluate the relationships between somatic complaints and posttraumatic psychological symptoms in a community‐based sample of 74 adult Somali participants. As hypothesized, traumatic exposure predicted increased symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD; r = .64, p < .01), depression (r = .31, p < .01), and anxiety (r = .38, p < .01) in the basal model. In evaluation of the second hypothesis, somatic complaints were found to have a statistically significant indirect effect on the predictive relationship between traumatic life events and mood disturbance, accounting for 9% of the variance in depression and 14% of the variance in anxiety. However, somatic complaints failed to have an indirect effect on the relationship between traumatic exposure and symptoms of PTSD. Post hoc analyses revealed that, consistent with research conducted with nonrefugee populations, PTSD had a statistically significant indirect effect that accounted for 13% of the variance in the relationship between trauma and somatic complaints. These findings provide preliminary data regarding the influence of somatic complaints on the self‐reported psychological symptoms of internationally displaced Somali refugees.
Polyampholyte‐Wrapped Carbon Nanotubes: Preparation and Internalization by Embryonic Fibroblast Cells
Authors: Lee Yeonju , Geckeler Kurt E.
Published: July 2011

The cytotoxicity and cellular uptake of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) has recently attracted considerable interest because of the issue of biosphere‐nanomaterial interactions. The biocompatibility of CNTs is determined by the metal impurities in the CNTs, the size of the CNTs and the CNT dispersion states; in particular, the type of surface modifications on the CNTs affects how they interact with cells and determines their cytotoxicity and cellular uptake. In this study, biocompatible single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) wrapped with a water‐soluble copolymer, poly[2‐(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate‐co‐methacrylic acid] (PDM), were prepared. We report that these SWNTs have enhanced water dispersibility and cellular internalization but no significant cytotoxic activity against mouse embryonic fibroblast NIH‐3T3 cells.

magnified image
Influence of process control agent (PCA) and atmosphere during high‐energy ball milling for the production of particle‐reinforced aluminium matrix composites
Authors: Nestler D. , Siebeck S. , Podlesak H. , Wielage B. , Wagner S. , Hockauf M.
Published: July 2011

Ein geeignetes Verfahren zur Herstellung partikelverstärkter Aluminiumwerkstoffe ist das Hochenergie‐Kugelmahlen (HEM) mit anschließender Kompaktierung. Bei dem Mahlverfahren haben neben anderen Parametern gegebenenfalls eingesetzte Trennmittel (PCA – process control agent) sowie die Atmosphäre entscheidenden Einfluss auf die sich ausbildende Verbundpulverstruktur. Nach zahlreichen Forschungsbeiträgen auf dem Gebiet der partikelverstärkten Aluminium‐Werkstoffe der Autoren beschäftigt sich der vorliegende Beitrag mit der Evaluation verschiedener PCAs und mit dem Einfluss der unterschiedlichen Mahlatmosphären (Luft, Argon, Stickstoff) auf das Hochenergiekugelmahlen bei der Herstellung eines Verbundpulvers einer Aluminiumlegierung der 2xxxer Serie mit SiC‐Partikeln. Die Untersuchungen zeigen, dass die Reaktion des Mahlgutes mit Luft die Mahleigenschaften des Aluminiumpulvers deutlich verändern. Die Verwendung eines PCAs ist dadurch, anders als bei inerten Atmosphären, nicht mehr nötig. Für das Mahlen mit PCA wird Menthol als Alternative zur Stearinsäure aufgezeigt.
Labor market policy: A comparative view on the costs and benefits of labor market flexibility
Authors: Kahn Lawrence M.
Published: July 2011

I review theories and evidence on wage‐setting institutions and labor market policies in an international comparative context. These include collective bargaining, minimum wages, employment protection laws, unemployment insurance (UI), mandated parental leave, and active labor market policies (ALMPs). Since it is unlikely that an unregulated private sector would provide the income insurance these institutions do, these policies may enhance economic efficiency. However, to the extent that unemployment or resource misallocation results from such measures, these efficiency gains may be offset. Overall, Scandinavia and Central Europe follow distinctively more interventionist policies than the English‐speaking countries in the Northern Hemisphere. Possible explanations for such differences include vulnerability to external market forces and ethnic homogeneity. I then review evidence on the impacts of these policies and institutions. While the interventionist model appears to cause lower levels of wage inequality and high levels of job security to incumbent workers, it also in some cases leads to the relegation of new entrants (disproportionately women, youth, and immigrants) as well as the less skilled to temporary jobs or unemployment. Making labor markets more flexible could bring these groups into the regular labor market to a greater extent, at the expense of higher levels of economic insecurity for incumbents and higher levels of wage inequality. © 2011 by the Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management.
Characterization of wind turbulence by higher‐order statistics
Authors: Morales A. , Wächter M. , Peinke J.
Published: July 2011

A general hierarchical statistical framework for the characterization of wind turbulence is proposed. This framework should ease the understanding of different existing statistical approaches and enable a clear path for refined methods of characterization. Low‐order statistical descriptions were extended by higher‐order statistics with respect to one‐point and two‐point statistics. In particular, we showed that proper analysis leads to a superstatistics approach for the probability of velocity fluctuations. To demonstrate the importance of our considerations, we analysed wind time series of the research platform FINO 1. On one side, we showed how different statistical aspects can be reproduced quite accurately, whereas on the other, the necessity of more profound approaches was worked out. The analysis of the measured data provides some deep insights into the nature of wind turbulence. Most interestingly, for conditioned data subsets, we found higher‐order statistical behavior well known for idealized turbulence. Finally, we give an outlook on how to achieve a general n‐point statistical description. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Increasing experience in laparoscopic staging of early ovarian cancer
Authors: Schreuder Henk W. R. , Pattij Thyrza O. S. , Zweemer Ronald P. , van Baal Marchien W. , Verheijen René H. M.
Published: July 2011

We assessed the effect of increasing experience of a single surgeon (learning curve) in the laparoscopic staging procedure for women with early ovarian cancer and compared the results with the literature. We retrospectively analysed a total of 25 women with apparent early-stage ovarian cancer who underwent a laparoscopic staging procedure by the same surgeon. Three time periods, based on date of surgery, were compared with respect to operating time, amount of lymph nodes harvested and surgical outcome. There was no significant difference in operation time, estimated blood loss and hospital stay between the three periods. There was, however, a significant increase in the median number of pelvic and para-aortal lymph nodes harvested (group1 = 6.5, group 2 = 8.0 and group 3 = 21.0; P < 0.005). For the total period, median operation time was 235 min and median estimated blood loss was 100 ml. The median length of hospital stay was 4.0 days. Two intraoperative and two postoperative complications occurred. The upstaging rate was 32%. The mean interval between initial surgery and laparoscopic staging was 51.2 days. Mean duration of follow-up was 43 months, range (1–116 months). Five (20%) patients had recurrences, and two (8%) patients died of the disease. In conclusion, there is a significant learning curve for the laparoscopic full staging procedure in ovarian cancer. In our study this is mainly reflected in the amount of lymph nodes harvested and not in the total operating time.
Lattice isomorphisms of modular inverse semigroups
Authors: Johnston K. G.
Published: July 2011

For an inverse semigroup S we will consider the lattice of inverse subsemigroups of S, denoted L(S). A major problem in algebra has been that of finding to what extent an algebra is determined by its lattice of subalgebras. (See, for example, the survey article [9]). By a lattice isomorphism (L-isomorphism, structural isomorphism, or projectivity) of an inverse semigroup S onto another T we shall mean an isomorphism Φ of L(S) onto L(T). A mapping φ from S to T is said to induce Φ if AΦ = Aφ for all A in L(S). We say that S is strongly determined by L(S) if every lattice isomorphism of S onto T is induced by an isomorphism of S onto T.
Derivation of climate elasticity of runoff to assess the effects of climate change on annual runoff
Authors: Yang Hanbo , Yang Dawen
Published: July 2011

Climate elasticity of runoff is an important indicator for evaluating the effects of climate change on runoff. Consequently, this paper proposes an analytical derivation of climate elasticity. Based on the mean annual water‐energy balance equation, two dimensionless numbers (the elasticities of runoff to precipitation and potential evaporation) were derived. Combining the first‐order differential of the Penman equation, the elasticities of runoff to precipitation, net radiation, air temperature, wind speed, and relative humidity were derived to separate the contributions of different climatic variables. The case study was carried out in the Futuo River catchment in the Hai River basin, as well as in 89 catchments of the Hai River and the Yellow River basins of China. Based on the mean annual of climatic variables, the climate elasticity in the Futuo River basin was estimated as follows: precipitation elasticity , net radiation elasticity , air temperature elasticity , wind speed elasticity , and relative humidity elasticity . In this catchment, precipitation decrease was mainly responsible for runoff decline, and wind speed decline had the second greatest effect on runoff. In the 89 catchments of the Hai River and the Yellow River basins of China, climate elasticity was estimated as follows: ranging from 1.6 to 3.9, ranging from −1.9 to −0.3, ranging from −0.11 to −0.02°C−1, ranging from −0.8 to −0.1, and ranging from 0.2 to 1.9. Additional analysis shows that climate elasticity was sensitive to catchment characteristics.
The very first transformation of the Mediterranean outflow in the Strait of Gibraltar
Authors: García‐Lafuente Jesús , Sánchez‐Román Antonio , Naranjo Cristina , Sánchez‐Garrido José C.
Published: July 2011

Time series collected in the Camarinal and Espartel sills, the two main sills of the Strait of Gibraltar, have been analyzed to assess the first transformation of the Mediterranean outflow. In Espartel, west of Camarinal sill, the outflow has been estimated from a 6 year long time series of acoustic Doppler current profiler observations. The near bottom water flowing out at Espartel is around 0.1 units saltier and 0.1°C warmer than at Camarinal, which is explained by entrainment and mixing of Atlantic water by the outflow inside the basin bounded by both sills. The constancy of heat and salinity transport implies an Atlantic water entrainment of 0.03 Sv, which is about 4% of the outflow observed at Espartel (0.77 Sv) and a flow of 0.74 Sv at Camarinal (96% of the flow at Espartel). It is also shown that the high energy dissipation rate associated with internal tides is enough to sustain the entrainment and a thorough mixing of the entrained water.
Modeling complex geological structures with elementary training images and transform‐invariant distances
Authors: Mariethoz Gregoire , Kelly Bryce F. J.
Published: July 2011

We present a new framework for multiple‐point simulation involving small and simple training images. The use of transform‐invariant distances (by applying random transformations) expands the range of structures available in the simple patterns of the training image. The training image is no longer regarded as a global conceptual geological model, but rather a basic structural element of the subsurface. Complex geological structures are obtained whose spatial structure can be parameterized by adjusting the statistics of the random transformations, on the basis of field data or geological context. In most cases, such parameterization is possible by adjusting two numbers only. This method allows us to build models that (1) reproduce shapes corresponding to a desired prior geological concept and (2) are in phase with different types of field observations such as orientation, hydrofacies, or geophysical measurements. The main advantage is that the training images are so simple that they can be easily built even in 3‐D. We apply the method on a synthetic example involving seismic data where the transformation parameters are data‐driven. We also show examples where realistic 2‐ and 3‐D structures are built from simplistic training images, with transformation parameters inferred using a small number of orientation data.
Conventional Fuel Sources
Authors: Speight James G.
Published: July 2011

A petroleum refinery is a group of manufacturing plants which are used to separate petroleum into fractions and the subsequent treating of these fractions to yield marketable products, particularly fuels. The configuration of refineries may vary from refinery to refinery. Some refineries may be more oriented toward the production of gasoline (large reforming and/or catalytic cracking) whereas the configuration of other refineries may be more oriented towards the production of middle distillates such as jet fuel, and gas oil.

While petroleum and natural gas are conventional fuel sources, alternative fuel sources are any materials or substances, other than conventional fuels, which can be used as fuels,. Examples of non-conventional fuels include coal, tar sand bitumen, oil shale, and biomass. Biomass can also be used directly for heating or power but it can also acts as a source of non-conventional fuels such as alcohols and biodiesel.

This chapter presents an overview of petroleum refining in order for the reader to place each process in the correct context of the production of conventional fuels and to understand the process modifications that are often necessary to convert biomass to biofuels.
Intestinal absorption of water-soluble vitamins in health and disease
Authors: Said Hamid M.
Published: July 2011

Our knowledge of the mechanisms and regulation of intestinal absorption of water-soluble vitamins under normal physiological conditions, and of the factors/conditions that affect and interfere with theses processes has been significantly expanded in recent years as a result of the availability of a host of valuable molecular/cellular tools. Although structurally and functionally unrelated, the water-soluble vitamins share the feature of being essential for normal cellular functions, growth and development, and that their deficiency leads to a variety of clinical abnormalities that range from anaemia to growth retardation and neurological disorders. Humans cannot synthesize water-soluble vitamins (with the exception of some endogenous synthesis of niacin) and must obtain these micronutrients from exogenous sources. Thus body homoeostasis of these micronutrients depends on their normal absorption in the intestine. Interference with absorption, which occurs in a variety of conditions (e.g. congenital defects in the digestive or absorptive system, intestinal disease/resection, drug interaction and chronic alcohol use), leads to the development of deficiency (and sub-optimal status) and results in clinical abnormalities. It is well established now that intestinal absorption of the water-soluble vitamins ascorbate, biotin, folate, niacin, pantothenic acid, pyridoxine, riboflavin and thiamin is via specific carrier-mediated processes. These processes are regulated by a variety of factors and conditions, and the regulation involves transcriptional and/or post-transcriptional mechanisms. Also well recognized now is the fact that the large intestine possesses specific and efficient uptake systems to absorb a number of water-soluble vitamins that are synthesized by the normal microflora. This source may contribute to total body vitamin nutrition, and especially towards the cellular nutrition and health of the local colonocytes. The present review aims to outline our current understanding of the mechanisms involved in intestinal absorption of water-soluble vitamins, their regulation, the cell biology of the carriers involved and the factors that negatively affect these absorptive events.
Linewidth reduction of a distributed-feedback diode laser using an all-fiber interferometer with short path imbalance
Authors: Lee Won-Kyu , Park Chang Yong , Mun Jongchul , Yu Dai-Hyuk
Published: July 2011

The linewidth of a distributed-feedback (DFB) diode laser at 1156 nm, of which free-running linewidth was 3 MHz, was reduced to 15 kHz using an all-fiber interferometer with 5-m-long path imbalance. Optical power loss and bandwidth limitation were negligible with this short optical fiber patch cord. This result was achieved without acoustic and vibration isolations, and the frequency lock could be maintained over weeks. In addition to its simplicity, compactness, robustness, and cost-effectiveness, this technique can be applied at any wavelength owing to the availability of DFB diode lasers and fiber-optic components.
Large magnetization change and magnetoresistance associated with martensitic transformation in Mn2Ni1.36Sn0.32Co0.32 alloy
Authors: Liu Z. H. , Wu Z. G. , Ma X. Q. , Wang W. H. , Liu Y. , Wu G. H.
Published: July 2011

In this paper we report on the realization of magnetic field-induced martensitic phase transformation in Mn-rich Heusler alloy Mn2Ni1.36Sn0.32Co0.32. The saturation magnetization of the austenite reached 111 emu/g at 70 kOe, which decreased rapidly to 8 emu/g upon transforming to martensite. This is attributed to the crystallographic distortion from cubic structure to tetragonal structure with c/a > 1, turning the Mn moments at B sites and D sites from parallel alignment to antiparallel alignment. A large magnetoresistance of 40% was observed through the field-induced transformation. The increase of conduction electrons accompanying this field-induced martensitic transformation is estimated to be 67%. These intriguing properties render the alloy a good candidate for applications in smart devices.
Novel cell design for combined in situ acoustic emission and x-ray diffraction study during electrochemical cycling of batteries
Authors: Rhodes Kevin , Kirkham Melanie , Meisner Roberta , Parish Chad M. , Dudney Nancy , Daniel Claus
Published: July 2011

An in situ acoustic emission (AE) and x-ray diffraction cell for use in the study of battery electrode materials has been designed and tested. This cell uses commercially available coin cell hardware retrofitted with a metalized polyethylene terephthalate (PET) disk, which acts as both an x-ray window and a current collector. In this manner, the use of beryllium and its associated cost and hazards is avoided. An AE sensor may be affixed to the cell face opposite the PET window in order to monitor degradation effects, such as particle fracture, during cell cycling. Silicon particles, which were previously studied by the AE technique, were tested in this cell as a model material. The performance of these cells compared well with unmodified coin cells, while providing information about structural changes in the active material as the cell is repeatedly charged and discharged.
Anomalous magnetic properties of the epitaxial CoFe2O4 films prepared by reactive cosputtering
Authors: Jin C. , Liu H. , Li P. , Kuang D. F. , Bai H. L.
Published: July 2011

Epitaxial CoFe2O4 (CFO) films with different thicknesses (6–240 nm) were fabricated on (001) SrTiO3 substrates by reactive cosputtering. Microstructure analyses indicate that the surfaces of the CFO films are covered by islands with height from 2.7 to 0.8 nm upon decreasing film thickness from 240 to 6 nm. Magnetic measurement shows that the CFO films exhibit film thickness dependence of anomalous magnetic properties, including two different “magnetic phases” reflected in the magnetization loops, and reduced saturation magnetization and coercivity with decreasing film thickness. Systematic analyses of the microstructure and magnetization loops for the CFO films with different thicknesses imply that the structure defects on the surface and at the interface, together with the antiphase boundaries in the films are responsible for the anomalous magnetic properties of the CFO films.
Molecular conformational stability in cyclotrimethylene trinitramine crystals
Authors: Mathew N. , Picu R. C.
Published: July 2011

The cyclotrimethylene trinitramine (RDX) molecule has four conformations denoted as Caaa, Caae, Caee, and Ceee, of which Caae is the conformer stabilized at room temperature in the α-RDX crystal subjected to atmospheric pressure. The barriers for transition between these conformers are evaluated using a molecular model both in vacuum and in the crystal. Apart from Caae, the only conformer stabilized in α-RDX is Caee and this occurs when the crystal is strained. The concentration of Caee depends on strain and temperature. The conformers interact elastically and electrostatically, which leads to their spatial clustering. Furthermore, the transition between Caae and Caee is a stochastic process characterized by temporal correlations. This is an effect of the field-mediated spatial interaction of conformers. It is observed that fluctuations in the intra-molecular effective temperature correlate with conformation transitions. The effect is quantified for both Caae-Caee and Caee-Caae transitions.
Noninductive plasma initiation and startup in the DIII-D tokamak
Authors: Jackson G.L. , Humphreys D.A. , Hyatt A.W. , Lohr J.M. , Luce T.C. , Yu J.H.
Published: July 2011

Noninductive plasma startup with second harmonic electron cyclotron heating has been studied in DIII-D. Plasma currents up to 33 kA have been obtained in this phase. The maximum current obtained was primarily limited by the experimental time and does not necessarily represent the highest achievable current. The dominant physical mechanism for the observed current is the Pfirsch–Schlüter current on open field lines. Closed flux surfaces have been observed, but in a rather limited region, compared with previous experiments in spherical tokamaks. This method of plasma initiation and initial current ramp might be used in future burning plasma devices in conjunction with other current drive techniques to provide a fully noninductive startup.
Influence of Rare Earth Ho3+ Doping on Structural, Microstructure and Magnetic Properties of ZnO Bulk and Thin Film Systems
Authors: Murtaza Rai Ghulam , Azhar Iqbal Muhammad , Xu Yongbing , Gordon Will Iain , Zhang Wen
Published: July 2011

We have investigated the doping behavior of rare earth element holmium (Ho3+) in ZnO semiconductor. The structural, microstructure, and magnetic properties of Zn1−xHoxO (x=0.0, 0.04, and 0.05) thin films deposited on Si(100) substrate by thermal evaporation technique were studied. The ceramic targets were prepared by conventional solid state ceramic technique. The pallets used as target were final sintered at 900 °C in the presence of N2 atmosphere. The experimental results of X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectra, surface morphology, and magnetic properties show that the Ho3+ doped ZnO thin films has a strong influence on the materials properties. The higher angle shift in peak position and most preferred (101) orientation were observed in XRD pattern. These spectra confirmed the substitution of Ho3+ in ZnO lattice. The surface morphology and stoichiometry for both bulk and thin films were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy. It was observed that grain size decreases with the increase of Ho3+. Room temperature ferromagnetism was observed for Zn0.95Ho0.05O films. The ferromagnetism might be attributed to the substitution of Ho ions for Zn2+ in ZnO lattices.
Variety of genomic DNA patterns for nucleosome positioning
Authors: Ioshikhes Ilya , Hosid Sergey , Pugh B. Franklin
Published: July 2011

Precise positioning of nucleosomes along DNA is important for a variety of gene regulatory processes. Among the factors directing nucleosome positioning, the DNA sequence is highly important. Two main classes of nucleosome positioning sequence (NPS) patterns have previously been described. In the first class, AA, TT, and other WW dinucleotides (where W is A or T) tend to occur together (in-phase) in the major groove of DNA closest to the histone octamer surface, while SS dinucleotides (where S is G or C) are predominantly positioned in the major groove facing outward. In the second class, AA and TT are structurally separated (AA backbone near the histone octamer, and TT backbone further away), but grouped with other RR (where R is purine A or G) and YY (where Y is pyrimidine C or T) dinucleotides. As a result, the RR/YY pattern includes counter-phase AA/TT distributions. We describe here anti-NPS patterns, which are inverse to the conventional NPS patterns: WW runs inverse to SS, and RR inverse to YY. Evidence for the biological relevance of anti-NPS patterns is presented.
Coactivation of GR and NFKB alters the repertoire of their binding sites and target genes
Authors: Rao Nagesha A.S. , McCalman Melysia T. , Moulos Panagiotis , Francoijs Kees-Jan , Chatziioannou Aristotelis , Kolisis Fragiskos N. , Alexis Michael N. , Mitsiou Dimitra J. , Stunnenberg Hendrik G.
Published: July 2011

Glucocorticoid receptor (GR) exerts anti-inflammatory action in part by antagonizing proinflammatory transcription factors such as the nuclear factor kappa-b (NFKB). Here, we assess the crosstalk of activated GR and RELA (p65, major NFKB component) by global identification of their binding sites and target genes. We show that coactivation of GR and p65 alters the repertoire of regulated genes and results in their association with novel sites in a mutually dependent manner. These novel sites predominantly cluster with p65 target genes that are antagonized by activated GR and vice versa. Our data show that coactivation of GR and NFKB alters signaling pathways that are regulated by each factor separately and provide insight into the networks underlying the GR and NFKB crosstalk.
Loss of exon identity is a common mechanism of human inherited disease
Authors: Sterne-Weiler Timothy , Howard Jonathan , Mort Matthew , Cooper David N. , Sanford Jeremy R.
Published: July 2011

It is widely accepted that at least 10% of all mutations causing human inherited disease disrupt splice-site consensus sequences. In contrast to splice-site mutations, the role of auxiliary cis-acting elements such as exonic splicing enhancers (ESE) and exonic splicing silencers (ESS) in human inherited disease is still poorly understood. Here we use a top-down approach to determine rates of loss or gain of known human exonic splicing regulatory (ESR) sequences associated with either disease-causing mutations or putatively neutral single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). We observe significant enrichment toward loss of ESEs and gain of ESSs among inherited disease-causing variants relative to neutral polymorphisms, indicating that exon skipping may play a prominent role in aberrant gene regulation. Both computational and biochemical approaches underscore the relevance of exonic splicing enhancer loss and silencer gain in inherited disease. Additionally, we provide direct evidence that both SRp20 (SRSF3) and possibly PTB (PTBP1) are involved in the function of a splicing silencer that is created de novo by a total of 83 different inherited disease mutations in 67 different disease genes. Taken together, we find that ∼25% (7154/27,681) of known mis-sense and nonsense disease-causing mutations alter functional splicing signals within exons, suggesting a much more widespread role for aberrant mRNA processing in causing human inherited disease than has hitherto been appreciated.
Parallel evolution of transcriptome architecture during genome reorganization
Authors: Yoon Sung Ho , Reiss David J. , Bare J. Christopher , Tenenbaum Dan , Pan Min , Slagel Joseph , Moritz Robert L. , Lim Sujung , Hackett Murray , Menon Angeli Lal , Adams Michael W.W. , Barnebey Adam , Yannone Steven M. , Leigh John A. , Baliga Nitin S.
Published: July 2011

Assembly of genes into operons is generally viewed as an important process during the continual adaptation of microbes to changing environmental challenges. However, the genome reorganization events that drive this process are also the roots of instability for existing operons. We have determined that there exists a statistically significant trend that correlates the proportion of genes encoded in operons in archaea to their phylogenetic lineage. We have further characterized how microbes deal with operon instability by mapping and comparing transcriptome architectures of four phylogenetically diverse extremophiles that span the range of operon stabilities observed across archaeal lineages: a photoheterotrophic halophile (Halobacterium salinarum NRC-1), a hydrogenotrophic methanogen (Methanococcus maripaludis S2), an acidophilic and aerobic thermophile (Sulfolobus solfataricus P2), and an anaerobic hyperthermophile (Pyrococcus furiosus DSM 3638). We demonstrate how the evolution of transcriptional elements (promoters and terminators) generates new operons, restores the coordinated regulation of translocated, inverted, and newly acquired genes, and introduces completely novel regulation for even some of the most conserved operonic genes such as those encoding subunits of the ribosome. The inverse correlation (r = –0.92) between the proportion of operons with such internally located transcriptional elements and the fraction of conserved operons in each of the four archaea reveals an unprecedented view into varying stages of operon evolution. Importantly, our integrated analysis has revealed that organisms adapted to higher growth temperatures have lower tolerance for genome reorganization events that disrupt operon structures.
Can component‐based microarray replace fluorescent enzimoimmunoassay in the diagnosis of grass and cypress pollen allergy?
Authors: Cabrera‐Freitag P. , Goikoetxea M. J. , Beorlegui C. , Gamboa P. , Gastaminza G. , Fernández‐Benítez M. , Ferrer M. , Blanca M. , Sanz M. L.
Published: July 2011

Background Few data on the diagnostic accuracy in pollinosis of the microarray ISAC of allergens are available.

Objective We aim to comparatively analyse ISAC CRD103 with the whole‐extract ImmunoCAP in grass and cypress pollen allergy, evaluating the suitability of the manufacturer's recommended cut‐off points for both techniques.

Methods We studied 120 atopic patients grouped into grass and cypress pollen‐allergic patients and controls based on clinical history and skin prick tests. Specific IgE against Phleum pratense and Cupressus arizonica by ImmunoCAP and ISAC CRD103 were performed on all subjects.

Results In the grass pollen group (43 allergic/26 controls), both microarray and CAP showed high sensitivity (Se) and specificity (Sp) values (ISAC: Se 97.7, Sp 92.3; CAP: Se 95.3, Sp 96.1) for recommended cut‐off points. Comparing the optimal (ISAC: 0.4 ISU; CAP: 0.33 kU/L) with the recommended cut‐off points within the same technique, diagnostic agreement was observed in both techniques. Thus, CAP and ISAC showed similar diagnostic performance in grass pollen allergy when using recommended cut‐off points. In cypress pollen group (12 allergic/92 controls), the microarray (Se: 91.7, Sp 91.3) showed similar Se but significantly higher Sp (P=0.034) than CAP (Se: 91.7, Sp: 80.4) using recommended cut‐off points. However, although diagnostic performance of the microarray did not change when comparing the optimal (0.82 ISU) with the recommended cut‐off point, CAP improved diagnosis of cypress pollen allergy, when applying the optimal (0.66 kU/L)(CAP Se: 91.7, Sp: 89.1) instead of the manufacturer's recommended cut‐off point. Thus, when the most suitable cut‐off point for both techniques (ISAC: 0.3 ISU; CAP: 0.66 kU/L) is selected, microarray and CAP provide equivalent diagnoses.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance Component‐based microarray ISAC CRD103 and whole‐allergen CAP showed high Se and Sp diagnosing equally grass and cypress pollen allergy. The cut‐off point for each allergen should be properly applied for both techniques.

Cite this as: P. Cabrera‐Freitag, M. J. Goikoetxea, C. Beorlegui, P. Gamboa, G. Gastaminza, M. Fernández‐Benítez, M. Ferrer, M. Blanca and M. L. Sanz, Clinical & Experimental Allergy, 2011 (41) 1440–1446.
Predicting adherence to health care recommendations using health promotion behaviours in kidney transplant recipients within 1–5 years post‐transplant
Authors: Lin Su‐Yueh , Fetzer Susan J , Lee Po‐Chang , Chen Ching‐Huey
Published: July 2011

Aims and objectives.  This study examined health promotion behaviours of kidney transplant recipients, 1–5 years after transplant and identified the risk factors predicting non‐adherence to post‐transplant recommendations.

Background.  Non‐adherence to health care recommendations and health promotion behaviours is one of the top three reasons for graft loss following kidney transplantation.

Design.  A cross‐sectional study.

Methods.  Kidney transplant recipients (n = 101) in southern Taiwan completed a self reported survey, the Kidney Transplant Health Promotion Behavior and Healthcare Provider Support survey.

Results.  Kidney transplant patients had better adherence with medication and least adherence with regular exercise health promotion behaviours. Age, post kidney transplant time, health care provider support and financial satisfaction accounted for 37·2% of the explained variance in monitoring and management for rejection and infection. Marital status, post kidney transplant time and gender accounted for 16·2% of the explained variance in infection prevention. Age was the sole predictor of exercise (odds ratio = 1·08, p = 0·025). Health promotion behaviours declined with time and perceived healthcare provider support decreased at the third (p = 0·04) post kidney transplant year.

Conclusion.  In this study, young, single, males were identified as requiring specific strategies to improve post kidney transplant health promotion behaviours. The need for health promotion must be continually reinforce by healthcare providers throughout the lifespan of a kidney transplant recipient.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Understanding the changes of health behaviours of post kidney transplant recipients and their risk factors, healthcare providers can be more aware of the needs of patients in maintaining health promotion behaviours.
Pharmacokinetics of tulathromycin and its metabolite in swine administered with an intravenous bolus injection and a single gavage
Authors: WANG X. , TAO Y. F. , HUANG L. L. , CHEN D. M. , YIN S. Z. , IHSAN A. , ZHOU W. , SU S. J. , LIU Z. L. , PAN Y. H. , YUAN Z. H.
Published: July 2011

Wang, X., Tao, Y. F., Huang, L. L., Chen, D. M., Yin, S. Z., Ihsan, A., Zhou, W., Su, S. J., Liu, Z. L., Pan, Y. H., Yuan, Z. H. Pharmacokinetics of tulathromycin and its metabolite in swine administered with an intravenous bolus injection and a single gavage. J. vet. Pharmacol. Therap. 35, 282–289.

Tulathromycin is a macrolide antimicrobial agent proposed for therapeutic use in treatment of porcine and bovine respiratory disease. In this study, the absolute bioavailability of tulathromycin solution was investigated in pigs. Eight pigs, with body weight of 20.5 ± 1.6 kg, were given a single dose of tulathromycin at 2.5 mg/kg oral (p.o.) and intravenous (i.v.) in a crossover design. The plasma concentrations of tulathromycin and its metabolite were determined by LC–MS/MS method, and the pharmacokinetic parameters of tulathromycin were calculated by noncompartmental analysis. After p.o. administration, the maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) was 0.20 ± 0.05 μg/mL at 3.75 ± 0.71 h. The terminal half‐life (t1/2λz) in plasma was 78.7 ± 6.75 h, and plasma clearance (Cl/F) was 1.14 ± 0.28 L/h/kg. After i.v. injection, plasma clearance (Cl) was 0.580 ± 0.170 L/h/kg, the volume of distribution (Vz) was 64.3 ± 21.2 L/kg, and the t1/2λz was 76.5 ± 13.4 h. In conclusion, an analytical method for the quantification of tulathromycin and its metabolite in plasma in swine was developed and validated. Following p.o. administration to pigs at 2.5 mg/kg b.w., tulathromycin was rapidly absorbed and the systemic bioavailability was 51.1 ± 10.2.
Nuclear and mitochondrial phylogeography of the European fire‐bellied toadsBombina bombinaandBombina variegatasupports their independent histories
Authors: FIJARCZYK ANNA , NADACHOWSKA KRYSTYNA , HOFMAN SEBASTIAN , LITVINCHUK SPARTAK N. , BABIK WIESŁAW , STUGLIK MICHAŁ , GOLLMANN GÜNTER , CHOLEVA LUKÁŠ , COGĂLNICEANU DAN , VUKOV TANJA , DŽUKIĆ GEORGE , SZYMURA JACEK M.
Published: July 2011

Exact location and number of glacial refugia still remain unclear for many European cold‐blooded terrestrial vertebrates. We performed a fine‐scaled multilocus phylogeographic analysis of twoBombinaspecies combining mitochondrial variation of 950 toads from 385 sites and nuclear genes (Rag‐1, Ncx‐1) from a subset of samples to reconstruct their colonization and contemporary variation patterns. We identified the lowlands northwest of the Black Sea and the Carpathians to be important refugial areas forB. bombinaandB. variegata,respectively. This result emphasizes the importance of Central European refugia for ectothermic terrestrial species, far north of the Mediterranean areas regarded as exclusive glacial refugia for the animals. Additional refugia forB. variegatahave been located in the southern Apennines and Balkans. In contrast, no evidence for the importance of other east European plains as refugial regions has been found. The distribution of mtDNA andNcx‐1variation suggests the presence of local refugia near the Black Sea forB. bombina; however, coalescent simulations did not allow to distinguish whether one or two refugia were present in the region. Strong genetic drift apparently accompanied postglacial expansions reducing diversity in the colonization areas. Extended sampling, coupled with the multilocus isolation with migration analysis, revealed a limited and geographically restricted gene flow from the Balkan to Carpathian populations ofB. variegata.However, despite proximity of inferredB. bombinaandB. variegatarefugia, gene exchange between them was not detected.
How nurses understand and care for older people with delirium in the acute hospital: a Critical Discourse Analysis
Authors: Schofield Irene , Tolson Debbie , Fleming Valerie
Published: July 2011

SCHOFIELD I, TOLSON D and FLEMING V. Nursing Inquiry 2012; 19: 165–176 [Epub ahead of print]

How nurses understand and care for older people with delirium in the acute hospital: a Critical Discourse Analysis

Delirium is a common presentation of deteriorating health in older people. It is potentially deleterious in terms of patient experience and clinical outcomes. Much of what is known about delirium is through positivist research, which forms the evidence base for disease‐based classification systems and clinical guidelines. There is little systematic study of nurses’ day‐to‐day practice of nursing patients with delirium. The aim was to uncover the kinds of knowledge that informs nurses’ care and to explicate the basis of that knowledge. Critical Discourse Analysis is underpinned by the premise that powerful interests within society mediate how social practices are constructed. Links were made between the grammatical and lexical features of nurses’ language about care in interviews and naturalistic settings, and the healthcare context. Care focused on the continuous surveillance of patients with delirium by nurses themselves or vicariously through other patients, and containment. Nurses influenced by major discourses of risk reduction and safety, constructed patients with delirium as risk objects. The philosophy of person‐centred and dignified care advocated in nursing literature and government policy is an emerging discourse, though little evident in the data. The current dominant discourses on safety must give space to discourses of dignity and compassion.
Transperineal omentum flap for the anatomic reconstruction of the rectovaginal space in the therapy of rectovaginal fistulas
Authors: Schloericke E. , Hoffmann M. , Zimmermann M. , Kraus M. , Bouchard R. , Roblick U.‐J. , Hildebrand P. , Nolde J. , Bruch H.‐P. , Limmer S.
Published: July 2011

Aim  Deep rectovaginal fistulas are a rare entity and pose a delicate challenge for the surgeon. The present study introduces different operative interventions involved in transperineal omental flap surgery.

Method  A retrospective analysis of all patients treated with a low or mid rectovaginal or enterovaginal fistula at the Department of Surgery of the University Hospital of Schleswig‐Holstein, Campus Luebeck, was performed. Treatment results were discussed with respect to aetiology, localization, morbidity and outcome.

Results  Between the years 2000 and 2010, a total of nine patients with a low or mid rectovaginal fistula were treated at our clinic. After local fistulectomy, all patients were additionally treated by a laparoscopically assisted omental flap reconstruction of the rectovaginal and perineal space. Eight of the nine patients received a protective ileostomy or colostomy. Only the patient with a history of Crohn’s disease had no ileostomy raised. At a median follow‐up of 22 months, no patient experienced recurrence of a rectovaginal fistula. Perioperative mortality was zero and minor complications were observed in 22%. Major complications were an anastomotic insufficiency after low anterior resection that was treated without further interventions. Another complication was a persistent fistula within the sphincter that needed re‐operation and bovine plug repair combined with a mucosa flap.

Conclusions  Complete omental reconstruction of the rectovaginal space appears decisive in the operative therapy of deep rectovaginal or enterovaginal fistulas. Comparative studies on standard therapies are necessary although direct comparison of case series is difficult.
Outcomes for case‐matched single‐port colectomy are comparable with conventional laparoscopic colectomy
Authors: Wolthuis A. M. , Penninckx F. , Fieuws S. , D’Hoore A.
Published: July 2011

Aim  With the introduction of single‐port surgery, expected advantages are improved cosmesis, decrease of pain and shorter length of stay. The aim of this study was to compare early outcomes of single‐port colectomy with those of conventional laparoscopic colectomy.

Method  All consecutive patients undergoing single‐port colectomy between January and June 2010 were identified from a prospective database. They were matched for age, sex, body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiology score and type of resection with patients who had conventional laparoscopic colectomy. All perioperative data, analgesic requirement, pain scores and inflammatory response were compared using the Wilcoxon signed‐rank and McNemar tests.

Results  Fourteen patients [five men, nine women; median age (interquartile range) 56 (30–73) years, body mass index (interquartile range) 22 (20–24) kg/m2] underwent single‐port colectomy and were matched with patients who had conventional laparoscopic colectomy. Median operating times, estimated blood loss, pain scores, analgesic requirement, inflammatory response and length of hospital stay were similar. Median increase in incision length was significantly higher in the single‐port group (P = 0.004), but maximal incision length for specimen extraction was comparable. There were no anastomotic leaks, wound infections or 30‐day readmissions.

Conclusion  In a case‐matched setting with a small sample size, single‐port laparoscopic colectomy has comparable outcomes to conventional laparoscopic colectomy.
A Lysosomal Lair for a Pathogenic Protein Pair
Authors: Dawson Ted M. , Dawson Valina L.
Published: July 2011

An unexpected link between Parkinson’s disease and Gaucher’s disease is explained at the molecular level.
Adolescents Are Not Just Small Adults
Authors: Farrell Ruth M.
Published: July 2011

Differences between polycystic ovary syndrome in adolescents versus adults should lead to better diagnostic measures.
E-001 Partial central retinal artery occlusion following para-ophthalmic artery embolization: a case report
Authors: Chowdhry S , Sharma J , Blackham K
Published: July 2011

Background

Coil embolization of para-ophthalmic artery aneurysms can result in acute as well as delayed visual complications. Progressive visual changes have been have been ascribed to mass effect from aneurysm thrombosis or peri-aneurysmal inflammation or edema. Abrupt, fixed visual changes are likely secondary to thromboembolic complications which result in retinal infarcts via the ophthalmic artery. Although thromboembolic complications are well described in general, clinical reports of retinal infarcts following coil embolization are rare in the literature. Thromboembolic complications resulting in central or branch retinal artery occlusion may occur in a delayed fashion following the coiling procedure.

Case Report

A 43-year-old woman presented for elective coil embolization of an unruptured right para-ophthalmic artery aneurysm, measuring 7 by 7 mm with a 4 mm neck and projecting superiorly. The origin of the ophthalmic artery was located immediately inferomedial to the neck of the aneurysm. The embolization procedure was uneventful and accomplished with stent-assisted coiling utilizing predominantly Cerecyte coils. Systemic heparinization was used during the procedure, and Plavix was administered both 7 days before the procedure and continued after the procedure. About 12 h following the procedure she complained of right-sided positive visual phenomena followed by a headache. She was found to have a visual field defect OD but it was felt that the visual loss was most likely secondary to compressive optic neuropathy and she was discharged home on oral steroids. She returned to clinic 4 days later stating that her vision was not improving. Ophthalmologic exam revealed dense nasal and central defects OD, and full fields OS. Extensive areas of retinal infarction OD were seen on dilated fundus exam with the suggestion of subtle platelet-fibrin emboli. It was felt that the cause was likely artery-to-artery embolism resulting in partial central retinal artery occlusion following the coiling procedure. Vasospasm was considered but felt to be less likely. The symptoms did not resolve with oral verapamil and timolol eye drops.

Conclusion

Our case highlights the rare but potential complication of central or branch retinal artery occlusion from the endovascular treatment of para-ophthalmic artery aneurysms. Along with mass effect from aneurysm thrombosis or peri-aneurysmal edema, it remains an uncommon but serious cause of morbidity in these patients.