bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
White Matter Hyperintensities, Exercise, and Improvement in Gait Speed: Does Type of Gait Rehabilitation Matter?
Authors: Nadkarni Neelesh K. , Studenski Stephanie A. , Perera Subashan , Rosano Caterina , Aizenstein Howard J. , Brach Jennifer S. , Van Swearingen Jessie M.
Published: April 2013

Objectives

To examine whether white matter hyperintensities (WMHs) on brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in tracts in older adults with mobility impairment are linked to outcomes of gait rehabilitation interventions.

Design

Twelve‐week randomized controlled single‐blind trial.

Setting

University‐based mobility research laboratory.

Participants

Ambulatory adults aged 65 and older with mobility impairment.

Intervention

A conventional gait intervention focusing on walking, endurance, balance, and strength (WEBS, n = 21) and a task‐oriented intervention focused on timing and coordination of gait (TC, n = 23).

Measurements

Self‐paced gait speed was measured over an instrumented walkway before and after the intervention, and WMH and brain volumes were quantified on preintervention brain MRI using an automated segmentation process. A white matter tract atlas was overlaid on the segmented images to measure tract WMH volumes, and WMH volumes were normalized to total brain volume. Aggregate WMH volumes in all white matter tracts and individual WMH volumes in specific longitudinal tracts (superior longitudinal fasciculus, inferior longitudinal fasciculus, and fronto‐occipital fasciculus) and the cingulum were measured.

Results

Gait speed gains in the TC group were of the same magnitude, independent of WMH volume measures in all except the cingulum, but in the WEBS group, gain in gait speed was smaller with greater overall tract WMH volumes (P < .001) and with greater WMH volume in the three longitudinal tracts (P < .001 to .02).

Conclusion

Gains in gait speed with two types of gait rehabilitation are associated with individual differences in WMHs. Task‐oriented therapy that targets timing and coordination of gait may particularly benefit older adults with WMHs in brain tracts that influence gait and cognition.
Specific‐pathogen‐free status is associated with lower infant mortality rate in rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta) colonies at the California National Primate Research Center
Authors: Tanaka Takayuki , Lerche Nicholas W. , Farver Thomas B. , Ardeshir Amir , Kass Philip H.
Published: April 2013

Background

Specific‐pathogen‐free (SPF) rhesus macaques, Macaca mulatta, are a valuable resource in biomedical research, and demographic analysis plays a significant role in colony management.

Methods

Data collection included SPF levels, gender, birth year, season of birth, birth location, rearing condition, maternal pregnancy history, and maternal age. Infant mortality in SPF rhesus macaques was compared with that in non‐SPF rhesus macaques at the California National Primate Research Center over a six‐year period, using Cox proportional regression analysis.

Results

In infants born to multiparous dams, the SPF infants had a significantly lower rate of mortality than non‐SPF infants. There was no statistically significant difference in infant mortality between different SPF levels.

Conclusions

Elimination of selected endemic viruses from breeding populations of rhesus macaques for the purpose of SPF colony development is associated with a significant reduction in the infant mortality rate.
Successful Aging Among Assisted Living Community Older Adults
Authors: Kozar‐Westman Maryalice , Troutman‐Jordan Meredith , Nies Mary A.
Published: April 2013

Purpose

This study investigated the suitability of using the Successful Aging Inventory (SAI) in an effort to describe successful aging among older adults currently living in assisted living communities (ALCs) and to further assess some of the characteristics of successful aging in this group.

Design

This study used a cross‐sectional descriptive quantitative research design. Recruitment garnered 200 participants 65 years of age or older from eight ALCs in North Carolina.

Methods

Screening was done using the Mini‐Cog; instrumentation was composed of the SAI, Purpose in Life Test, Life Satisfaction Inventory‐A, and Centers for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale.

Findings

Among the differences were those influenced by gender, with females tending to score higher on successful aging (p < .004).

Conclusions

This research demonstrated that successful aging does exist in ALC residents.

Clinical Relevance

The size of the older adult population will proliferate dramatically during the next two decades. Many of these individuals will find themselves living in ALCs; therefore, it is important to continue to strive to understand what successful aging looks like in these individuals in order to adopt meaningful practices and interventions aimed at eliciting successful aging responses in those living in these communities.
The acculturation process: Antecedents, strategies, and outcomes
Authors: Samnani Al‐Karim , Boekhorst Janet A. , Harrison Jennifer A.
Published: April 2013

With an increasingly integrated global economy, the need to understand how national work contexts impact newcomers is critical. In particular, it is important to understand individuals' possible responses to interaction within multicultural work contexts. Blending theoretical perspectives on social identity, cross‐cultural diversity, and identity formation/change, this paper explores the complex role played by dispositional and situational factors on acculturation strategies and, in turn, labour market outcomes. To guide this exploration, a theoretical model depicting the acculturation process is developed and presented. We posit that the relationship between cultural identity salience and acculturation strategy will be moderated by two key factors: desire for economic rewards and relational pressures. We further propose that acculturation strategy will influence the social networks and organizations that newcomers join, while these latter choices can help predict their income, employability, and advancement. We advance a number of testable propositions to stimulate future research and conclude with a discussion of the theoretical and practical contributions.

Practitioner Points

Recruitment processes should attract job applications from individuals with varying levels of cultural identity salience through wide‐reaching job marketing campaigns.

Workgroup composition should reflect a diverse range of complementary skills.

Performance management and reward systems should reward employees for idea‐sharing and achieving team goals.

HRM strategy should seek to gain a competitive advantage through fostering diverse skills.
Managing diversity at work: Does psychological safety hold the key to racial differences in employee performance?
Authors: Singh Barjinder , Winkel Doan E. , Selvarajan T. T.
Published: April 2013

Previous diversity research has neglected the role of psychological mechanisms that underlie the relationship between diversity climate and employee performance. Drawing on social and racial identity theories, we hypothesized that psychological safety mediates the relationship between diversity climate and employee performance. Furthermore, we proposed that race moderates both stages of the mediation, whereby the relationships between diversity climate and psychological safety and between psychological safety and performance are stronger for minorities than for Whites. Results, based on a survey of employees and their colleagues, revealed that the relationship between diversity climate and employee performance was mediated by psychological safety. We also found that the diversity climate–psychological safety and psychological safety–extra‐role performance relationships were moderated by race, such that these relationships were stronger for minorities than for Whites. Further, the indirect effects of diversity climate on extra‐role behaviours via psychological safety were also moderated by race, such that these relationships were stronger for minorities than for Whites. For efficient management of diversity in organizations, research and practical implications are also discussed.

Practitioner Points

In the midst of increasing workforce diversity, the study highlights the importance of a psychologically safe work environment where employees feel confident in expressing their true selves without fear of being judged as inferior or incompetent.

By necessitating the creation of psychologically safe work environments, the study establishes psychological safety as a principal motivator of employee performance behaviours in a racially diverse work setting.

The study cautions organizational practitioners that when dealing with racial diversity, one size does not fit all. Rather, positive organizational contexts (such as diversity climate and psychological safety) hold a greater significance for minorities and are more effective in shaping their performance behaviours.
Measuring the Impact of an Alternative Approach to School Bullying
Authors: Domino Meg
Published: April 2013

BACKGROUND

National estimates of middle school bullying approximate 40%, making it the leading form of school violence. Meta‐analysis of conventional anti‐bullying efforts have shown mixed results, averaging small reductions in bullying behavior. Social‐Emotional Learning and Positive Youth Development provide a theory‐driven alternative for approaching bullying and victimization by strengthening social competencies that reduce related youth risk behaviors.

METHODS

A sample of 7th grade students (N = 323) participated in Take the Lead (TTL); a 16‐session curriculum designed to build social competencies of all participants. Data were coded and collected using a pretest/posttest time‐lag control group cohort study design. Participants self‐reported bully and victim behaviors using the Peer Relations Questionnaire. Extracted data were assessed for changes in bullying and victim behaviors, from pretest to posttest, between groups and sexes.

RESULTS

Participants in TTL reported significant reductions in bullying (p < .001), and victimization (p < .001), from pretest to posttest, and compared to controls (p < .001). Findings remained consistent between sexes (p < .001). Control groups experienced increases in bully and victim behaviors during the same time period, which were significantly reduced following participation in TTL (p < .001).

CONCLUSION

Identifying intervention alternatives to address bullying behaviors must remain a research priority. This study supports the application of theory‐driven SEL and PYD constructs within a curriculum designed to improve social competencies of all students.
Adolescent Online Cyberbullying in Greece: The Impact of Parental Online Security Practices, Bonding, and Online Impulsiveness
Authors: Floros Georgios D. , Siomos Konstantinos E. , Fisoun Virginia , Dafouli Evaggelia , Geroukalis Dimitrios
Published: April 2013

BACKGROUND

The introduction of new technological media worldwide has had a number of unfortunate side effects for some adolescents, including cases of bullying others through the new media (cyberbullying) and over‐involvement to the point of addiction. We examine the epidemiology of cyberbullying in a Greek setting, compare it with earlier data, determine the impact of any related psychosocial factors, and propose measures to combat the phenomenon.

METHODS

A cross‐sectional study of the entire adolescent high‐school student population of the island of Kos examined the relationship between their experiences of Internet cyberbullying and respective parental characteristics, including aspects of psychological bonding and online security measures. The sample consisted of 2017 students (51.8% boys, 48.2% girls). Comparisons are made with results obtained from an earlier survey in the same setting, 2 years earlier.

RESULTS

There was a significant rise in reported experiences of Internet cyberbullying over the 2‐year period. Security practices exercised by parents had a protective role with regards to whether a child had been cyberbullied, yet failed to prevent the perpetration of online victimization. A regression model indicated that impulsive use of the Internet and related online activities were predictive of whether an adolescent victimized others online.

CONCLUSION

Cyberbullying frequency with regards to both victims and victimizers was high and associated with online impulsiveness, pointing to the possible existence of some commonalities. Further research is necessary to ascertain common underlying psychological factors and neurobiology.
Update on clubfoot
Authors: Gibbons Paul J , Gray Kelly
Published: April 2013

Congental talipes equinovarus, or clubfoot, remains one of the commonest congenital limb deformities. The genetics of this condition are not yet fully understood. It is increasingly being diagnosed on prenatal ultrasound with implications for prenatal counselling. With the widespread acceptance of the Ponseti method of clubfoot treatment major surgical interventions are needed much less frequently and long‐term outcomes are improved.
Periodontitis increases vascular cyclooxygenase‐2: potential effect on vascular tone
Authors: Mendes R. T. , Sordi R. , Olchanheski L. R. , Machado W. M. , Stanczyk C. P. , Assreuy J. , Santos F. A. , Fernandes D.
Published: April 2013

Background and objective

It has been demonstrated that periodontitis induces a systemic inflammation, which may impair endothelial function. Cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) is an important enzyme in the inflammatory process and is responsible for prostacyclin production. We hypothesised that in periodontitis, an increase in vascular COX‐2 expression may occur, which in turn may have a role in vascular homeostasis. Thus, we evaluated the vascular effects of COX‐2 inhibition in an experimental rat model of periodontitis.

Material and Methods

Experimental periodontitis was induced in rats by placing a cotton ligature around the cervix of both sides of the mandibular first molars and maxillary second molars. Sham‐operated rats had the ligature removed immediately after the procedure. Mesenteric vessels were obtained for the study of COX‐2 expression, and blood samples were collected for nitric oxide quantification. In another set of experiments, animals received etoricoxib (10 mg/kg/d, v.o.) or vehicle, and alveolar bone loss and cardiovascular parameters were evaluated.

Results

We observed an increase in COX‐2 expression in mesenteric vessels harvested from animals with periodontitis, which was accompanied by a reduction in nitric oxide content. Etoricoxib treatment impaired the endothelium‐dependent reduction in blood pressure in rats with periodontitis.

Conclusion

Periodontitis increases vascular COX‐2 expression, which is important in the maintenance of vascular homeostasis in this model. Despite the limitations of an animal study, these findings may have important implications regarding the safety of using selective COX‐2 inhibitors in patients with periodontitis.
Leveraging Environmental Information Integration to Enable Environmental Management Capability and Performance
Authors: Wong Christina W. Y.
Published: April 2013

Although environmental sustainability has emerged as an important organizational capability to protect the environment and sustain businesses, there is little knowledge on how it is developed. This is of particular importance when environmental management no longer relies solely on an individual firm's efforts, but on its supply chain partners as well. Building on dynamic capabilities theory, environmental information integration (EII) is defined as the organizational capacity of sharing information on environmental management with supply chain partners to facilitate coordination of environmental management practices. This study examines how EII contributes to environmental management capabilities in terms of corporate environmental innovativeness and adaptability. The research model is empirically tested using data collected from 230 firms. The findings show that supplier EII is insufficient in improving environmental management capabilities. Internal EII contributes to corporate environmental adaptability, while customer EII engenders both corporate environmental innovativeness and adaptability. This study suggests that strategic values of EII go beyond the sharing of environmental management information between supply chain partners, simultaneously contributing to the environmental management capabilities of firms. This study contributes substantially to environmental management research by providing empirical evidence on the specific dimensions of EII in supply chains that contribute to environmental management capabilities and business values.
Intelli‐Sourcing to Replace Offshoring as Supply Chain Transparency Increases
Authors: Fine Charles
Published: April 2013

In the past twenty years, there has been an evolution in the way that sourcing and global manufacturing are viewed. While price is important, it is no longer supreme, as increased complexity and transparency have changed leading firms to think about intelli‐sourcing: simultaneously balancing economics while protecting the firm's reputation.
Bridging the Gap Between Prosecutors' Cases and Victims' Biographies in the Criminal Justice System Through Shared Emotions
Authors: Goodrum Sarah
Published: April 2013

Research on victims' encounters with prosecutors suggests that victims' rights have had a limited effect on victims' satisfaction with the criminal justice system. This study examines the victim-prosecutor relationship with a focus on people who have lost a loved one to murder. The emotional tone dimension of Carol Heimer's case versus biography analysis proves helpful for explaining the gaps between prosecutors' responsibilities and victims' expectations. The data come from in-depth interviews with thirty-five participants, including twenty victims, three crime victims' advocates, and twelve criminal court professionals in Union County (pseudonym). The findings indicate that shared emotions (e.g., sadness, anger) represent a key mechanism for (1) connecting victims to prosecutors (and individuals to organizations) and (2) improving victims' experiences with the criminal justice system. Although victims' rights do not guarantee the opportunity for shared emotions, prosecutors often honored victims' desire for a close relationship and considered their input on case decisions.
Efficacy of 4 weeks topical bifonazole treatment for onychomycosis after nail ablation with 40% urea: a double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled multicenter study
Authors: Tietz Hans‐Jürgen , Hay Roderick , Querner Susanne , Delcker Andreas , Kurka Peter , Merk Hans F.
Published: April 2013

Onychomycosis is a common fungal infection most often affecting the toenails. If untreated, it can cause discomfort sufficient to reduce quality of life. To evaluate efficacy and safety of bifonazole cream vs. placebo in onychomycosis treatment after non‐surgical nail ablation with urea paste. Fifty‐one study centres randomized 692 subjects with mild‐to‐moderate onychomycosis to receive bifonazole 1% cream or placebo for 4 weeks following non‐surgical nail ablation with urea 40% paste over 2–4 weeks. Efficacy of the two phase treatment was evaluated by overall cure of the target nail comprising clinical and mycological cure 2 weeks, 3 and 6 months after end of treatment. At 2 weeks (primary endpoint), overall cure rate was superior in bifonazole‐treated group (54.8% vs. 42.2% for placebo; P = 0.0024). The clinical cure rate was high in both treatment groups (86.6% bifonazole vs. 82.8% placebo), but proportion with mycological cure was higher with bifonazole treatment (64.5%) vs. placebo treatment 49.0%, (P = 0.0001). We observed higher early overall cure rate with 4 weeks topical bifonazole compared with placebo after removal of infected nail parts with urea. This two stage treatment was well tolerated and offers an additional option in topical onychomycosis therapy.
Transcriptome divergence between introduced and native populations of Canada thistle, Cirsium arvense
Authors: Guggisberg Alessia , Lai Zhao , Huang Jie , Rieseberg Loren H.
Published: April 2013

Introduced plants may quickly evolve new adaptive traits upon their introduction. Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense – Cardueae, Asteraceae) is one of the worst invasive weeds worldwide. The goal of this study is to compare gene expression profiles of native (European) and introduced (North American) populations of this species, to elucidate the genetic mechanisms that may underlie such rapid adaptation.

We explored the transcriptome of ten populations (five per range) of C. arvense in response to three treatments (control, nutrient deficiency and shading) using a customized microarray chip containing 63 690 expressed sequence tags (ESTs), and verified the expression level of 13 loci through real‐time quantitative PCR.

Only 2116 ESTs (3.5%) were found to be differentially expressed between the ranges, and 4458 ESTs (7.1%) exhibited a significant treatment‐by‐range effect. Among them was an overrepresentation of loci involved in stimulus and stress responses.

Cirsium arvense has evolved different life history strategies on each continent. The two ranges notably differ with regard to R‐protein mediated defence, sensitivity to abiotic stresses, and developmental timing. The fact that genotypes from the Midwest exhibit different expression kinetics than remaining North American samples further corroborates the hypothesis that the New World has been colonized twice, independently.
Effect of Relative Injectate Pressures on the Efficacy of Lumbar Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injection in Patients with Lumbar Foraminal Stenosis
Authors: Park Chan Hong , Lee Sang Ho
Published: April 2013

Objective

Transforaminal epidural steroid injections (TFESIs) are often used to treat lumbar foraminal stenosis. Injectate pressure (of contrast) was monitored during fluoroscopically guided TFESI to assess the effect on short‐term pain reduction.

Design

A total of 40 patients underwent single‐level lumbar TFESI for unilateral lumbar radicular pain ascribed to foraminal stenosis. Relative injectate pressure of contrast epidurography during TFESI was recorded and compared with pre‐ and postprocedural pain levels using the Roland 5‐point pain scoring method.

Results

Pain relief achieved after TFESI revealed no statistically significant correlation with injectate pressure (mean 13.0 cm H2O). Mean pressures in patients with and without demonstrable pain reduction were 12.9 and 13.2 cm H2O, respectively.

Limitations

Secondary outcomes were not measured, and no mid‐ or long‐term follow‐up was conducted.

Conclusion

In this setting, relative injectate pressures had no significant effect on immediate outcomes of TFESI.
Closing in on maximum yield of chlorophyll fluorescence using a single multiphase flash of sub‐saturating intensity
Authors: LORIAUX S. D. , AVENSON T. J. , WELLES J. M. , MCDERMITT D. K. , ECKLES R. D. , RIENSCHE B. , GENTY B.
Published: April 2013

Estimation of the maximum chlorophyll fluorescence yield under illumination, or Fm′, by traditional single saturation pulse (SP) methodology is prone to underestimation error because of rapid turnover within photosystem (PS) II. However, measurements of fluorescence yield during several single pulses of variable intensity describes the irradiance dependence of apparent Fm′, from which estimates of Fm′ at infinite irradiance can be derived. While such estimates have been shown to result in valid approximations of Fm′, the need to apply several single pulses limits its applicability. We introduce a novel approach that determines the relationship between apparent Fm′ and variable irradiance within a single ∼1 s multiphase flash (MPF). Through experiments and simulations, we demonstrate that the rate of variation in irradiance during an MPF is critical for achieving quasi–steady‐state changes in the proportions of PSII acceptor side redox intermediates and the corresponding fluorescence yields, which are prerequisites for accurately estimating Fm′ at infinite irradiance. The MPF methodology is discussed in the context of improving the accuracy of various parameters derived from chlorophyll fluorescence measurements, such as photochemical and non‐photochemical quenchings and efficiencies. The importance of using MPF methodology for interpreting chlorophyll fluorescence, in particular for integrating fluorescence and gas exchange measurements, is emphasized.
Parental functioning improves the developmental quotient of pediatric liver transplant recipients
Authors: Posfay‐Barbe Klara M. , Barbe Rémy P. , Wetterwald Renate , Belli Dominique C. , McLin Valérie A.
Published: April 2013

Psychomotor development in pediatric liver transplant (LT) recipients depends on several factors. Our aim was to evaluate the importance of parental involvement and family dynamics on psychomotor development by assessing (i) children and parents individually, (ii) the parent–child relationship, and (iii) the correlation between parental functioning and patient outcome, all before and after LT. Age‐appropriate scales were used before and after LT. Twenty‐one patients, 19 mothers, and 16 fathers were evaluated. Developmental quotient (DQ): No subjects scored in the “very good” range. The proportion of children with deficits increased from LT to two yr: 17.6% vs. 28.6%. Subjects 0–2 yr were more likely to have normal DQ at transplant (66.7% vs. 50% for older children). Abnormal DQ was more prevalent two yr post‐LT in children older at LT (p = 0.02). The mother–child relationship was normal in 59% of families pre‐LT and in 67% at two yr. The relationship was more favorable when the child received a transplant as an infant (p = 0.014 at 12 months post‐LT). Normal DQ was associated with higher maternal global functioning score pre‐LT (p = 0.03). Paternal performance scores were higher than maternal scores. Children transplanted after two yr of age suffer greater long‐term deficits than those transplanted as infants.
Defending the Objective List Theory of Well‐Being
Authors: Rice Christopher M.
Published: April 2013

The objective list theory of well‐being holds that a plurality of basic objective goods directly benefit people. These can include goods such as loving relationships, meaningful knowledge, autonomy, achievement, and pleasure. The objective list theory is pluralistic (it does not identify an underlying feature shared by these goods) and objective (the basic goods benefit people independently of their reactive attitudes toward them). In this paper, I discuss the structure of this theory and show how it is supported by people's considered judgments. I then respond to three objections. First, I argue that there is no conceptual reason to favor a monistic theory of well‐being over a pluralistic one (such as the objective list theory). Second, I argue that states of affairs can benefit people even though they hold no positive reactive attitudes toward them. And, third, I argue that objective list theorists can identify a fairly‐determinate list of basic goods.
Determining treatment frequency for controlling weeds on traffic islands using chemical and non‐chemical weed control
Authors: Rask A M , Larsen S U , Andreasen C , Kristoffersen P
Published: April 2013

Many public authorities rely on the use of non‐chemical weed control methods, due to stringent restrictions on herbicide use in urban areas. However, these methods usually require more repeated treatments than chemical weed management, resulting in increased costs of weed management. In order to investigate the efficacy of four non‐chemical weed control methods and glyphosate treatment, experiments were carried out on traffic islands in the growing seasons 2005 and 2006. Three trial sites were each divided into six treatment areas, which were either treated with glyphosate, flame, steam, hot air/flame, hot water or left untreated. The treatments were carried out at regular, predetermined intervals throughout the growing season in 2004, whereas in 2005 and 2006 how many treatments that were required to keep weed cover below a predetermined acceptance level of 2% were investigated. Percentage weed cover was measured every second week using a 75 cm × 75 cm quadrat divided into 100 squares. On the control areas, a rapid increase in weed cover was observed, whereas weed cover could be kept below 2% by 2–7 treatments per year, depending on control method. On average, the following numbers of treatments per year were required: glyphosate 2.5, hot water 3, flames 5, hot air/flames 5.5 and steam 5.5 treatments. The results demonstrate that the weed control should be adjusted to the prescribed quality for the traffic islands by regularly assessing the need for weed control. They also show that tailored treatments can reduce the number of required non‐chemical treatments per year.
Upregulated glial cell line‐derived neurotrophic factor through cyclooxygenase‐2 activation in the muscle is required for mechanical hyperalgesia after exercise in rats
Authors: Murase Shiori , Terazawa Etsuji , Hirate Kenji , Yamanaka Hiroki , Kanda Hirosato , Noguchi Koichi , Ota Hiroki , Queme Fernando , Taguchi Toru , Mizumura Kazue
Published: April 2013

Key points

Unaccustomed strenuous exercise that includes lengthening contraction often causes delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS), characterised as muscular mechanical hyperalgesia.

It has been reported that bradykinin triggers upregulation of nerve growth factor in exercised muscle, sensitizing nociceptors and resulting in DOMS, but additional mechanism(s) may be involved.

We showed that pretreatment with cyclooxygenase (COX)‐2 inhibitors completely suppressed the development of DOMS, but treatment 2 days after lengthening contraction failed to reverse existing mechanical hyperalgesia.

We demonstrated that COX‐2 induced upregulation of glial cell line‐derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and that intramuscularly injected anti‐GDNF antibody reduced muscle mechanical hyperalgesia after exercise.

These results suggest that upregulation of GDNF through COX‐2 activation is essential to mechanical hyperalgesia after exercise, and is another pathway alongside the bradykinin–nerve growth factor pathway that is involved in DOMS development.

Abstract  Unaccustomed strenuous exercise that includes lengthening contraction (LC) often causes delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS), characterised as muscular mechanical hyperalgesia. Previously we reported that a bradykinin‐like substance released from the muscle during exercise plays a pivotal role in triggering the process of muscular mechanical hyperalgesia by upregulating nerve growth factor (NGF) in exercised muscle of rats. We show here that cyclooxygenase (COX)‐2 and glial cell line‐derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) are also involved in DOMS. COX‐2 inhibitors but not COX‐1 inhibitors given orally before LC completely suppressed the development of DOMS, but when given 2 days after LC they failed to reverse the mechanical hyperalgesia. COX‐2 mRNA and protein in exercised muscle increased six‐ to 13‐fold in mRNA and 1.7–2‐fold in protein 0–12 h after LC. COX‐2 inhibitors did not suppress NGF upregulation after LC. Instead, we found GDNF mRNA was upregulated seven‐ to eight‐fold in the exercised muscle 12 h–1 day after LC and blocked by pretreatment of COX‐2 inhibitors. In situ hybridisation studies revealed that both COX‐2 and GDNF mRNA signals increased at the periphery of skeletal muscle cells 12 h after LC. The accumulation of COX‐2 mRNA signals was also observed in small blood vessels. Intramuscular injection of anti‐GDNF antibody 2 days after LC partly reversed DOMS. Based on these findings, we conclude that GDNF upregulation through COX‐2 activation is essential to mechanical hyperalgesia after exercise.
Characterization of thin film adhesion by MEMS shaft-loading blister testing
Authors: Berdova Maria , Lyytinen Jussi , Grigoras Kestutis , Baby Anu , Kilpi Lauri , Ronkainen Helena , Franssila Sami , Koskinen Jari
Published: April 2013

A new microelectromechanical system shaft-loaded blister test was developed and demonstrated to provide stability, repeatability, and simultaneous quantitative measurements of adhesion between thin films deposited on a silicon substrate. The authors assessed adhesion of sputtered platinum, copper, and chromium/copper (300 nm) to underlaying atomic layer deposited (ALD) aluminum oxide. The average adhesion energies for thin films on ALD aluminum oxide were found to be 1.15 ± 0.1 J/m2 for platinum thin films, 1.4 J/m2 for copper thin films, and 1.75 J/m2 for chromium/copper.
Gamma spectroscopy of environmental samples
Authors: Siegel P. B.
Published: April 2013

We describe experiments for the undergraduate laboratory that use a high-resolution gamma detector to measure radiation in environmental samples. The experiments are designed to instruct the students in the quantitative analysis of gamma spectra and secular equilibrium. Experiments include the radioactive dating of Brazil nuts, determining radioisotope concentrations in natural samples, and measurement of the 235U abundance in uranium rich rocks.
Image method in the calculation of the van der Waals force between an atom and a conducting surface
Authors: de Melo e Souza Reinaldo , Kort-Kamp W. J. M. , Sigaud C. , Farina C.
Published: April 2013

After a brief survey of van der Waals forces, we review a method recently proposed by Eberlein and Zietal to compute the dispersion van der Waals interaction between a neutral but polarizable atom and a perfectly conducting surface of arbitrary shape. This method has the advantage of relating the quantum problem to a corresponding classical one in electrostatics in an enlightening way so that all one needs is to compute an appropriate Green function. We show how the image method of electrostatics can be conveniently used together with the Eberlein and Zietal method (when the image solution is known). We then illustrate this method in some simple but important cases, including the atom-sphere system. Finally, we present an original result for the van der Waals force between an atom and a boss hat made of a grounded conducting material.
On a reference-free speech quality estimator for hearing aids
Authors: Suelzle David , Parsa Vijay , Falk Tiago H.
Published: April 2013

A reference-free speech quality measure is proposed and assessed for hearing aid applications. The proposed speech quality metric is validated with subjective ratings obtained from hearing impaired listeners under a number of noisy and reverberant conditions. In addition, a comparison is drawn between the proposed measure and a state-of-the-art electroacoustic measure that relies on a clean reference signal. The results showed that the reference-free measure had a lower correlation with the subjective ratings of hearing aid speech quality in comparison to the correlations achieved by the measure utilizing a reference signal. Nevertheless, advantages of the reference-free approach are discussed.
Nutrient Signaling in Protein Homeostasis: An Increase in Quantity at the Expense of Quality
Authors: Conn Crystal S. , Qian Shu-Bing
Published: April 2013

Inhibition of mTORC1 by rapamycin may promote longevity by increasing the quality of protein synthesis.
The Papain Inhibitor (SPI) of Streptomyces mobaraensis Inhibits Bacterial Cysteine Proteases and Is an Antagonist of Bacterial Growth
Authors: Zindel Stephan , Kaman Wendy E. , Fröls Sabrina , Pfeifer Felicitas , Peters Anna , Hays John P. , Fuchsbauer Hans-Lothar
Published: April 2013

A novel papain inhibitory protein (SPI) fromStreptomyces mobaraensiswas studied to measure its inhibitory effect on bacterial cysteine protease activity (Staphylococcus aureusSspB) and culture supernatants (Porphyromonas gingivalis,Bacillus anthracis). Further, growth ofBacillus anthracis,Staphylococcus aureus,Pseudomonas aeruginosa, andVibrio choleraewas completely inhibited by 10 μM SPI. At this concentration of SPI, no cytotoxicity was observed. We conclude that SPI inhibits bacterial virulence factors and has the potential to become a novel therapeutic treatment against a range of unrelated pathogenic bacteria.
Key Role for Efflux in the Preservative Susceptibility and Adaptive Resistance of Burkholderia cepacia Complex Bacteria
Authors: Rushton Laura , Sass Andrea , Baldwin Adam , Dowson Christopher G. , Donoghue Denise , Mahenthiralingam Eshwar
Published: April 2013

Bacteria from the
Burkholderia cepacia
complex (Bcc) are encountered as industrial contaminants, and little is known about the species involved or their mechanisms of preservative resistance. Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) revealed that multiple Bcc species may cause contamination, with
B. lata
(
n
= 17) and
B. cenocepacia
(
n
= 11) dominant within the collection examined. At the strain level, 11 of the 31 industrial sequence types identified had also been recovered from either natural environments or clinical infections. Minimal inhibitory (MIC) and minimum bactericidal (MBC) preservative concentrations varied across 83 selected Bcc strains, with industrial strains demonstrating increased tolerance for dimethylol dimethyl hydantoin (DMDMH). Benzisothiazolinone (BIT), DMDMH, methylisothiazolinone (MIT), a blend of 3:1 methylisothiazolinone-chloromethylisothiazolinone (M-CMIT), methyl paraben (MP), and phenoxyethanol (PH), were all effective anti-Bcc preservatives; benzethonium chloride (BC) and sodium benzoate (SB) were least effective. Since
B. lata
was the dominant industrial Bcc species, the type strain, 383
T
(LMG 22485
T
), was used to study preservative tolerance. Strain 383 developed stable preservative tolerance for M-CMIT, MIT, BIT, and BC, which resulted in preservative cross-resistance and altered antibiotic susceptibility, motility, and biofilm formation. Transcriptomic analysis of the
B. lata
383 M-CMIT-adapted strain demonstrated that efflux played a key role in its M-CMIT tolerance and elevated fluoroquinolone resistance. The role of efflux was corroborated using the inhibitor
l
-Phe-Arg-β-napthylamide, which reduced the MICs of M-CMIT and ciprofloxacin. In summary, intrinsic preservative tolerance and stable adaptive changes, such as enhanced efflux, play a role in the ability of Bcc bacteria to cause industrial contamination.
Efficacy of Tigecycline Alone and in Combination with Gentamicin in the Treatment of Experimental Endocarditis Due to Linezolid-Resistant Enterococcus faecium
Authors: Pontikis Konstantinos , Pefanis Angelos , Tsaganos Thomas , Tzepi Ira-Maria , Carrer Dionyssia-Pinelopi , Giamarellou Helen
Published: April 2013

We evaluated the efficacy of tigecycline in a rabbit model of experimental endocarditis caused by a linezolid-resistant clinical strain of
Enterococcus faecium
. Tigecycline-treated animals had a 2.8-log
10
-CFU/g reduction in microbial counts in excised vegetations compared with controls. Addition of gentamicin caused a further arithmetical reduction in colony counts. The therapeutic effect was sustained 5 days after completion of treatment, as shown by relapse studies performed in treatment groups.
Drug Combinations against Mucor irregularis
In Vitro
Authors: Zhang Shuzhen , Li Ruoyu , Yu Jin
Published: April 2013

Combinations of terbinafine or caspofungin with amphotericin B, posaconazole, or itraconazole were studied as potential treatments against 18 isolates of
Mucor irregularis
in vitro
. Synergism of the combinations of terbinafine with amphotericin B, posaconazole, and itraconazole against 38.9, 33.3, and 44.4% of the strains studied was observed. In contrast, synergism of the combinations of caspofungin with amphotericin B, posaconazole, and itraconazole against 99.4, 66.7, and 99.4% of the strains studied was observed. Furthermore, no antagonism was observed.
Suppression of T-Cell Chemokines by Porphyromonas gingivalis
Authors: Jauregui Catherine E. , Wang Qian , Wright Christopher J. , Takeuchi Hiroki , Uriarte Silvia M. , Lamont Richard J.
Published: April 2013

Porphyromonas gingivalis
is a major pathogen in periodontal disease and is associated with immune dysbiosis. In this study, we found that
P. gingivalis
did not induce the expression of the T-cell chemokine IP-10 (CXCL10) from neutrophils, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), or gingival epithelial cells. Furthermore,
P. gingivalis
suppressed gamma interferon (IFN-γ)-stimulated release of IP-10, ITAC (CXCL11), and Mig (CXCL9) from epithelial cells and inhibited IP-10 secretion in a mixed infection with the otherwise stimulatory
Fusobacterium nucleatum
. Inhibition of chemokine expression occurred at the level of gene transcription and was associated with downregulation of interferon regulatory factor 1 (IRF-1) and decreased levels of Stat1. Ectopic expression of IRF-1 in epithelial cells relieved
P. gingivalis
-induced inhibition of IP-10 release. Direct contact between
P. gingivalis
and epithelial cells was not required for IP-10 inhibition. These results highlight the immune-disruptive potential of
P. gingivalis
. Suppression of IP-10 and other Th1-biasing chemokines by
P. gingivalis
may perturb the balance of protective and destructive immunity in the periodontal tissues and facilitate the pathogenicity of oral microbial communities.
Regulatory Actions of Toll-Like Receptor 2 (TLR2) and TLR4 in Leishmania donovani Infection in the Liver
Authors: Murray Henry W. , Zhang Yunhua , Zhang Yan , Raman Vanitha S. , Reed Steven G. , Ma Xiaojing
Published: April 2013

In livers of susceptible but self-curing C57BL/6 mice, intracellular
Leishmania donovani
infection enhanced Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and TLR2 gene expression. In the liver, infected TLR4
−/−
mice showed reduced gamma interferon (IFN-γ), tumor necrosis factor (TNF), and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) mRNA expression, higher-level and slowly resolving infection, delayed granuloma formation, and little response to low-dose chemotherapy; in serum, the ratio of IFN-γ to interleukin 10 (IL-10) activity was decreased by 50%. In contrast, in TLR2
−/−
mice, control of liver infection, parasite killing, and granuloma assembly were accelerated and chemotherapy's efficacy enhanced. In livers of infected TLR2
−/−
mice, mRNA expression was not increased for inflammatory cytokines or iNOS or decreased for IL-10; however, the serum IFN-γ/IL-10 ratio was increased 6.5-fold and minimal responses to IL-10 receptor blockade suggested downregulated IL-10. In established infection in wild-type mice, blockading TLR2 induced parasite killing and triggering TLR4 strengthened resistance and promoted chemotherapy's effect. Thus, in experimental
L. donovani
infection in the liver, TLR4 signaling upregulates and TLR2 signaling downregulates macrophage antileishmanial activity, making both receptors potential therapeutic targets in visceral leishmaniasis for engagement (TLR4) or blockade (TLR2).
Secondary aorto-enteric fistula presenting over a 2-month period with recurrent gastrointestinal bleeding
Authors: Jamal K , Shaunak S , Kalsi S , Nehra D
Published: April 2013

A female in her sixties presented with recurrent gastrointestinal bleeding over a two-month period requiring multiple hospital admissions. Inconclusive upper and lower gastrointestinal endoscopies in addition to an initial negative CT angiogram initially left the diagnosis uncertain. A subsequent catastrophic bleed prompted a further CT angiogram that demonstrated a fistula between the aorta and third part of the duodenum with active contrast extravasation. Emergency surgery was carried out but ultimately the patient did not survive.
Role of the nonlocality of the vector potential in the Aharonov–Bohm effect
Authors: Stewart A.M.
Published: April 2013

When the electromagnetic potentials are expressed in the Coulomb gauge in terms of the electric and magnetic fields rather than the sources responsible for these fields they have a simple form that is nonlocal (i.e., the potentials depend on the fields at every point in space). It is this nonlocality of classical electrodynamics that is primarily responsible for the puzzle associated with the static Aharonov–Bohm effect: that its interference pattern is affected by fields in a region of space that the electron beam never enters.
DYNAMIC PROPERTIES OF A SYMMETRICALLY CONSERVATIVE TWO-MASS SYSTEM
Authors: ZHANG CHUNRUI , ZHENG BAODONG
Published: April 2013

A symmetrically conservative two-mass system with delay is considered. Using the symmetric functional differential equation theories, multiple Hopf bifurcations of the equilibrium at the origin are demonstrated. The existence of multiple branches of bifurcating periodic solution and their spatiotemporal patterns are obtained. Some numerical examples and the corresponding numerical simulations are used to illustrate the effectiveness of the obtained results.
ON THE SLIDING BIFURCATION OF A CLASS OF PLANAR FILIPPOV SYSTEMS
Authors: PI DINGHENG , YU JIANG , ZHANG XIANG
Published: April 2013

In this paper, we study the sliding bifurcation phenomena of a class of planar piecewise smooth differential systems consisting of linear and quadratic subsystems. Using the differential inclusion and the qualitative theory of ordinary differential equations, we find some new interesting phenomena appearing in the piecewise smooth differential systems. In brief, we prove that the system may have sliding homoclinic bifurcation, sliding cycle bifurcation, semistable limit cycle bifurcation and heteroclinic cycle bifurcation. In addition, the mentioned systems can have at most two limit cycles, and the maximal number of limit cycles can be realized and central nested with one bifurcated from the sliding–crossing bifurcation of a sliding cycle and the other from the saddle homoclinic bifurcation. These two limit cycles collide and then both disappear. This novel scenario is verified by our systems.
PULLBACK ATTRACTORS FOR A NONAUTONOMOUS INTEGRO-DIFFERENTIAL EQUATION WITH MEMORY IN SOME UNBOUNDED DOMAINS
Authors: ANGUIANO MARÍA , CARABALLO TOMÁS , REAL JOSÉ , VALERO JOSÉ
Published: April 2013

The main aim of this paper is to analyze the asymptotic behavior of a nonautonomous integro-differential parabolic equation of diffusion type with a memory term, expressed by convolution integrals involving infinite delays, in an unbounded domain. The assumptions imposed do not ensure uniqueness of solutions of the corresponding initial value problems. The theory of set-valued nonautonomous dynamical systems is applied to prove the existence of pullback attractors for our model. To do this, we first analyze an abstract version of the equation.
HYPERCHAOTIC BEHAVIOR IN ARBITRARY-DIMENSIONAL FRACTIONAL-ORDER QUANTUM CELLULAR NEURAL NETWORK MODEL
Authors: LIU LING , LIU CHONGXIN , LIANG DELIANG
Published: April 2013

In this paper, an arbitrary-dimensional quantum cellular neural network (QCNN) model and its fractional-order form are presented by using the polarization of quantum-dot cell and fractional derivatives. Two classes of fractional-order QCNN equations, either two-cell or three-cell models with different value of fractional order α are taken into consideration in detail. In particular, more complex and abundant fractional-order hyperchaotic behaviors can be observed by these two examples. Thus, the proposed fractional-order arbitrary-dimensional QCNN model can have an effective noninteger dimension and can generate rich hyperchaotic dynamics by nth cell. Numerical analysis and simulation results are provided to show the effectiveness of the proposed approach. This study provides valuable information about nth cell fractional-order QCNNs for further application in high-parallel signal processing and fractional quantum chaotic generators.
LOCAL BIFURCATION IN ONE-DIMENSIONAL NONAUTONOMOUS PERIODIC DIFFERENCE EQUATIONS
Authors: ELAYDI SABER , LUÍS RAFAEL , OLIVEIRA HENRIQUE
Published: April 2013

In this article we extend the theory of local bifurcation in one-dimensional autonomous maps to one-dimensional nonautonomous periodic maps. We give the necessary conditions for the main types of local bifurcation in one-dimensional periodic maps.